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#122 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:14 am
Subject: Clean Laundry - June08 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

June 2008

Mother Tip

My two year old daughter looked so cute with her little clothes peg hanger, attached with a loop of string from the big clothesline, hanging up socks (in pairs?), hankies and washcloths. Oh! how important she was – and she talked excitedly the whole time. “I’m helping Mummy”.

 

Mother Moment - Laundry

 

I thank God for the automatic washing machine. Imagine scrubbing all those clothes by hand – I’d be hiring a maid!

Going from older single professional to work-from-home wife then mother of baby within 16 months was bit of a head-spinner. I had never needed to be particularly domesticated, but now the laundry pile kept on multiplying. I had to wash other people’s dirty things – ugh! Sleep, wash, clean, dress, play, feed … and so on (and on) the washing cycle went. I felt I was getting nowhere – really fast.

When at work (for 19 years) I could see that project completed or this class successfully taught, but now at home there was this blur that started to look like the repetitive Groundhog Day. So, I started to write in my diary the things I actually did. I could see the list of 7-8 things and this helped me to feel like I really had achieved ‘something’.

Soon I began to define ‘success’ by the condition and height of the washing pile! Clean clothes, dried, folded, and put in the drawers was the ultimate in success for my housewifely days. But I was doing more than circulating the laundry.

I was supporting my husband in his endeavours, providing a peaceful, clean-enough home, engaging my children by teaching them little responsibilities and enjoying each other’s company along the way.

The dirty clothes still multiply - and get bigger! But doing the washing is now just a part of life, dealt with quickly.

This sounds like us with the ‘dirtiness’, misjudgments, and errors that we make in our everyday lives – and the forgiveness, dealing with these past wrongs and smudges, that washes us clean and free from the past. Because we choose to.

That is success. Thank God.

© by Johanna W, 2008

 

Mother’s Heart

I need to keep an eye on the big picture. Relationships built, young lives nurtured and guided, and keeping short accounts of sins – sorting out our anger, misunderstandings, bad attitudes, and general sinful nature, through acknowledging God’s forgiveness and love for us. Embrace what is good and true.

--

Mentor Mum Moment

"If we really want to love
we must learn how to forgive"

“People ask me what advice I have for a married couple struggling in their relationship. I always answer: pray and forgive. And to young people from violent homes, I say pray and forgive. And again even to the single mother with no family support: pray and forgive”  - Mother Theresa

A big page of quotations on Forgiveness: http://www.forgivenessweb.com/RdgRm/Quotationpage.html

Leadership

http://www.momhasfun.com/adultcharge.php

MOPPETS

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MOPPETS/ - see the members’ LINKS and FILES

Mum’s e-Mail

Thank you Johanna, I appreciate your thoughts and the time you take to prepare the emails. Keep up the good work,
blessings in Abundance,  Helen Lang, Mentor, Southside International Church MOPS. Brisbane QLD

- Thanks, Helen, for spreading the word around about MUM-e-Mail – and for reading J - jmcw

MOPS Link

www.MOPS.org.nz - new look, click on a region of NZ on the ‘Groups’ page map

--

May God smile on you all,
Johanna W

 

 

MUM-e-Mail is a free, subscribed newsletter twice a month from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz


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#121 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Wed Jun 4, 2008 6:45 pm
Subject: Bathroom Care - June 2008 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

June 2008

Mother Maxim - Tip

What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul.

 

Mother Moment – Bathroom Care

The saying goes: cleanliness is next to godliness, but in our bathroom, cleanliness is next to impossible. It’s amazing what finds its way to that little room. On one occasion in the bath, I found a submarine tied up at port complete with Lego pier and stone embankment (yes, stones). What a creative mind, Son!

A hot shower -  without interruptions - counts as one of the pleasures of my day, though I’ve had to explain to my children (a few times!) that these 15 minutes - out of the 1440 minutes of each day - are MINE. This usually entails using ‘windows of opportunity’ like showering whilst husband is at home as ‘parent-in-charge’ or when baby is asleep. It’s MY time to think, ponder, scheme, and dream – and relax and care for myself.

The most common use of the bathroom is to wash our hands. Hand washing is the simplest, most effective thing you and your family can do to reduce the spread of germs and toxins.

1)    Wet your hands with warm running water and apply liquid or clean bar soap.

2)    Rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces, including around the wrists and between the fingers. Continue for 10 - 15 seconds, which is about the length of a little tune you and your child can sing together.

3)    Rinse well in warm running water and dry your hands.

How does this help? The mechanical action of scrubbing loosens up the dirt and germs on your hands and the soap picks them up and binds to them so that the water can wash them away.

And by the way, regular soap works just fine. No need to spend more money on the “anti-bacterial” (triclosan) products, which can actually breed bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics.

Good hand-washing habits for the entire family include washing before meals, when we come home or in from the garden, and after using the potty or toilet.

Make it a fun activity to get your preschooler in the habit of washing his hands.

- altered to and added by Johanna W, from MUMSense Radio, July 2002

 

Mother’s Heart

May I relax with my children. Teach them and protect them the best I can, then trust and commit them to God.

--

Mentor Mum Moment

Proverbs 22: 6 - “Train a child in the way s/he should go, and when s/he is old s/he will not turn from it.”

http://healthyfamiliesnow.org/qryDevotionArchives.asp - devotions archives - mainly from Mark’s gospel (scroll down and down – or go hold CTRL + F, then type in keyword (eg. safe) to find it on this long page.

MOPPETS

http://healthyfamiliesnow.org/

http://healthyfamiliesnow.org/Channel_asp-Channel=Home.html - all the rooms in the home

http://healthyfamiliesnow.org/Article_asp-Record=1017.html - ‘righteous’ bathroom – long live baking soda and vinegar

 

MOPS Link

http://www.mopsinholland.org/
http://www.mopsineurope.org/

Happy reading and thanks for taking time to nurture “Mummy”,
johanna
MUM-e-Mail editor
mum-e-mail@...

 

 

MUM-e-Mail is a free, subscribed newsletter twice a month from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

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#120 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Wed May 21, 2008 5:54 am
Subject: Rest in Peace - May 2008 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

May 2008

Mother Maxim - Tip

“Be still … and know … that I … am … God.”

 

Mother Moment – Rest in Peace

·       Bedrooms are places of rest and regular sleep, though that may be patchy for a while whilst there are under twos in the house! Bedrooms can also be havens of quiet, quiet times, and blessing – for you, your spouse, and your children.

·       Your bedroom is yours – and the children as they get older may need to understand that it is your private place to which they may (or may not) be invited.

·       Find a special spot in the house that you can call your very own. Use this place to read, pray, meditate - whatever brings you peace. Encourage other family members to have their own special spots too.

·       Set aside 10 or more minutes of "quiet time" each morning or evening to either prepare yourself for the day or unwind and reflect. Remember that your mood can affect the whole family.

·       Spend 5-15 minutes most days in your bedroom – use the kitchen timer if that helps. Puff pillows and duvets, make bed. Clean off cabinet tops and clear floors and rubbish. Dust cobwebs, shelves and sills, frames and fixtures. Sort clothes in drawers or wardrobes – if in doubt, chuck it out or give it away. Ice cream containers can help to sort hankies, undies, socks in your (children’s) drawers.

 

Mother’s Heart

May I learn the value of taking time apart from others, so that I don’t fall apart.

--

Mentor Mum Moment

End the day by giving a "blessing" to each child. The children’s bedtime blessings, regularly and consistently done, by Mummy and/or Daddy, are special moments of question and answer, reading, maybe a song, and blessing, that bring comfort and security to your children - a spiritual antidote to all the busyness of the day.

The unconditional love and approval that comes with the blessing is vital to our children’s (and our) self-esteem and emotional well-being. They only take a few minutes, but they can help you pass down a legacy of faith to your children and help them gain a deeper love for God. As if that weren't enough, think of the smiles and hugs you'll receive that are better than any present. You’ll be blessed yourself.

 

MOPPETS

Numbers 6:24 – “May the Lord bless you and take good care of you. May the Lord bless you and be gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favour, ….(child’s name), and give you His peace”.

 

Mum’s e-Mail

Welcome to the new readers of MUM-e-Mail – hope there’s something here to help you along the way of mothering your littlies.

MOPS Link

http://www.mops.org.nz/new/groups/ - click on the area of NZ map for list of groups

 

Blessings,
johanna
MUM-e-Mail editor

 

 

MUM-e-Mail is a free, subscribed newsletter twice a month from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz/new

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#119 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Sun May 4, 2008 5:52 pm
Subject: Lounge : Hospitality - May 08 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

May 2008

Mother Maxim - Tip

A Maori saying:
He aha te mea nui o te Ao! Maku e ki atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people!

Mother Moment – Practice Hospitality

Let's visit and get to know each other. Do we really need to wait for the gilt-edged invitation to come? Our family is known to pop in, saying “Do you want visitors now?” Very rarely have we been turned away. We might have had just very short visits but we parted having been blessed for seeing each other. It is easier with fewer children but do make the effort to blend in a visit with another family “on the way” to somewhere.

Of course, you could get all organised (I don’t achieve that status very often) and arrange a visit.

I’ve come to appreciate that the “real stuff of life” happens in homes. That’s why the kettle is only a couple of minutes off the boil – and I love the opportunity to sit down, take time off the boring cleaning stuff, and have a yakker – to build relationships and friendships.

  • Make it your goal to have at least one neat room in your house most of the time - preferably the one family members and visitors see first when they come in the door, or where they go to relax.
  •  Take the television out of the main lounge.
  • Don't underestimate the calming effects of soothing music on the whole family. Start a collection of pleasant (word-free) music that can be played softly to lift your spirits and calm frazzled nerves. 
  • Decorate your house with things that represent happiness and good memories: family pictures, special Bible verses, or awards that family members have received. These are constant reminders of what's most important to the family. 
  • Lighting also affect the way the eye and the brain interprets what it sees. Consider the relaxing effect of candles on the dinner table set for two! Be careful about burning candles if you have small children.
  • Cushions are a cheap and easy-to-replace way to experiment with colour. Fuchsia, lime, and orange (and probably all together) are popular colours to add a bold 'zing' to your room. Change according to season or mood!
  • Flowers collected from your garden (or someone else's) and placed in a vase in the entranceway or on the table brings a visual symphony of colour, scent, and texture into your home. This is a mini-celebration of the wonder of God's creativeness.

- JM Whittaker, 2008

Mother’s Heart

Lord, may my home be available for people – primarily for me and my husband, my children, and then also for friends (theirs and mine). Putting people first.

--

Mentor Mum Moment

You may need to redefine what ‘neat and tidy’ is – be prepared to lower your expectations (for about 20 years!).

Leadership

Simply and graciously show by example what hospitality is to your circle or network of friends.

Hospitality

Water and bread offered in love can be more welcoming than an elaborate three course meal.

Mum’s e-Mail

No one has written this week. Ya doin’ ok? Hello to the Mums in Australia <wave>.

MOPS Link

MOPS is global - http://www.mopsineurope.org/groups.htm - groups in Europe

 

Blessings – whether rain or shine,
Johanna W
MUM-e-Mail editor

 

 

MUM-e-Mail is a free, subscribed newsletter twice a month from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

Subscribe to MUM-e-Mail by sending blank email to: MUM-e-Mail-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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#118 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:01 pm
Subject: Dining Together - April 2008 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

April 2008

Mother Maxim - Tip

"Taste and see that the Lord is good". Food is good, but relationships are better.

 

Mother Moment -
Get a Taste for Dining Together

By Johanna Whittaker

·       Ginger gems or apple cinnamon muffins fresh from the oven smell good and taste good. And roast lamb makes me salivate. What is it that your family enjoys?

·       Fresh fruit and/or vegetables are good as snacks - sliced, into sticks, maybe with a dip. My three year old daughter thought prunes were a treat!

·       Enthuse children with a good-looking variety of food at mealtimes. And set a good example. Start with your children as you intend to continue.

·       Take your preschoolers (and beyond) on a 'taste adventure' - the food feels... “crunchy”, “squishy”, ... “a bit different, but it's yummy, isn't it?” Great vocab builder.

·       Our three year old, surrounded at the local food hall with people eating chips and burgers from the Golden Arches, looks at mum's and dad's food and says with great enthusiasm, "Ooh, can I have some carrots and some broccoli?" We chuckled. She has successfully embarked on the adventure of food.

·       Meals for family or visitors needs to be simple and tasty, colourful, and calming. Turn off distractions and enjoy time together around the dinner table. Here, children learn of conversation, turn-taking, respect, the 'art' of listening, and parents get an opportunity to hear of how life is with their children and friends.

·       Hospitality is encouraged throughout the Bible. Take care of travellers; practice hospitality. Meals can be simple and prepared ahead - casserole, salads. Food is not more important than people. Sit down and relax with your guests and others find it easier to relax.

·       Dinner music without words can set a tone to a meal, just as candles or tablecloths can.

·       Use the tablecloth and nice china at least one night a week "just because”. Why save those things only for special occasions? Another day of life is special occasion enough.

© 2007 jmcw

Mother’s Heart

I need to take time for myself; make time to BE with my family – it’s for the benefit of all of us.

--
The following are sections we may use in MUM-e-Mail at times :-

Mentor Mum Moment – older perspective, been-there done-that

Leadership - organising, delegating, training, fulfilling a vision

Hospitality  – welcoming, friendship, fun

Creative – try something (maybe new)

MOPPETS - caring for our children, parenting, leading children
http://banquet.homeschooljournal.net/category/mummy-monday/ - Johanna’s blog - more on 'dining together' topic

Mum’s e-Mail - letters written in by readers

--

MOPS Links

- websites, news, promos

www.mops.org - the mother organisation – always changing, stacked with articles and resources for mothers with little children
www.mops.org.nz - update on the way.  In the meantime: www.MOPSNZ.wordpress.com
www.mopsineurope.org - yes! MOPS is growing in UK & Europe

 

regards,
Johanna W 
MUM-e-Mail editor

 

MUM-e-Mail is a free, subscribed newsletter twice a month from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz


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#117 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Sat Apr 5, 2008 8:24 pm
Subject: Kitchen Centre - April 08 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

April 2008

Mother Maxim - Tip

Practice hospitality. It’s not necessarily about the food but the warm and friendly welcome – at your place and theirs.

 

Mother Moment - Kitchen – the Centre of the Home

 

·       See set snack times, say 10 and 3, as mini-meal times, sitting down together (Mum too). Eat healthy. A folded honey sandwich. Peeled and slivered carrot. Peanut butter smeared in thumb-sized celery sticks. Small handful of raisins or sultanas. Wash, core and sliver apples or oranges. Often when the 2-6s are saying they’re hungry, they probably really need a drink of water.

·       Keep a secret stash of "mother-comfort foods" on hand. For many people, flavoured coffee, herbal tea, chai, or chocolate does the trick. If you are calm, your calmness will rub off on other family members.

·       Cook once, eat twice – a sanity-saver. Whenever possible, double recipes or bulk with veges and freeze leftovers. Put second dinner into the freezer container BEFORE you serve out the first dinner. Knowing that a delicious meal is only minutes away makes coming home more enjoyable for everyone, especially for the designated family cook. Our household cooks a pressure cooker of potatoes on Monday, along with 2 cups rice, to reuse in various ways throughout the week. Store covered in fridge.

·       Breadmakers are wonderful not only for cheap yummy bread, but the delectable smell they spread throughout the house. If you don't have one, try a wet loaf in a preheated oven. It's also a good trick to help sell your house.

·       One memory that lingers for me is the smell of ginger gems coming out of the oven in my Grandma's farmhouse kitchen. A regular treat. For you it may be fruit cooking or scented flowers that creates aroma memories.

© 2008 jmcw

Mother’s Heart

We are “the fragrance of the knowledge of God”, “the aroma of Christ” - able to speak the truth of God into all our domestic situations.

 

Mentor Mum Moment

One entertaining trick I got from my grandma was: to boil an onion in a pot at meal time. Set the table too. This keeps the guests (and family) happy. They think something is happening for dinner and keep on chatting.

 

MOPPETS

Have a safe stool or chair in a safe place in your kitchen – on the other side of the work bench? From two years old, children can learn to be hygienic and to ‘watch and learn’ around the preparation of food. “Would you get out a soup spoon, teaspoon, fork, plate wiper, and bowl please?” then “I need you to watch and learn because one day I will ask you to help me” Then they get to stir without spattering the kitchen surrounds. Or in time to break an egg or turn on the beater switch.

 

MOPS Link

Mother organisation – regular updates on website – articles, ideas, etc.

Happy cooking in your home,
johanna w

 

 

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz


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#116 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Sun Mar 16, 2008 8:16 pm
Subject: Easter - March 2008 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

March 2008

Mother Tip – Easter

We remember the dark side of Friday, yet the joy and victory of Sunday is coming.

Mother Moment – Easter

Monday

Make an Easter Cross with flax. http://www.kidssundayschool.com/Gradeschool/Crafts/1craft08.php - cut some flax and fold - great for the children to give to their friends with a verse or a blessing

Tuesday

Practice foot-washing with your guests. Imagine living in a hot country with throbbing ankles and dust – what a blessing to have cold water washing your feet and a glass of water to drink. Find your own way to bless those around you.

Wednesday

The old word lenten means "springtime"—a season of new life. Visit a farm or petting zoo and (north of the equator) look for newborns: piglets, bunnies, lambs or chicks.

Thursday

Prepare to observe Maundy Thursday. The word Maundy comes from a root word meaning "mandate" or "command." Look up John 13:34-35 to discover the "new commandment" Jesus gives.

Friday

The name Good Friday probably evolved from the phrase "God's Friday." Talk about why the day Christ died is ultimately very good—the best—because we all need a Saviour. “Friday’s here – but Sunday’s coming.”

Saturday

Get a clearer idea of the miracle of the tomb rock rolling away by finding a large rock and trying to roll it yourselves. Note that only an act of God could put the guards to sleep and move such a big stone.

Sunday

Practice the traditional Easter greeting: "Christ is risen!" and the reply: "He is risen indeed!"

 

Mother’s Heart

May I know the reality of Easter and share this with my children. Easter is not about chocolate easter bunnies, chocolate bilbies or kiwis. But adoration, betrayal, death, amazing love, sticking to a task, and new life!

--

MOPPETS

http://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/worldeaster/in_australia.htm

 

MOPS Link

www.mops.org - Mother organisation

In the meantime (while mops.org.nz is “under construction”) – www.mopsnz.wordpress.com - posts and pages

 

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

Check that your computer receives mail in html, so you can click on the live links.
Use these links to change your e-mail address or format – (Edit Membership) or unsubscribe.

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz
MOPS events : www.MOPSNZ.wordpress.com


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#115 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Wed Mar 5, 2008 8:25 pm
Subject: Launch - March 2008 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

March 2008

Mother Tip – The Front Porch

From the Front Porch of our homes, we relax, socialise, and take time out. We watch. We think. We observe the neighbourhood around us. We welcome and farewell people to/from our home.

Mother Moment – “Letting Go”

In our family’s lifetime there are plenty of comings and goings.

From the time the children leave the womb, we start this process of ‘letting go’ bit-by-bit. We progressively send our children into the world. We cut the umbilical cord.

Our children learn to crawl, walk, talk, and think.

Mum, take an opportunity today to "cut the extension cord" for a moment to see what your child does. By allowing our preschoolers to make small choices in our presence, we gain greater clarity in how they will make choices in our absence.

Our children go to kindy, to school, for a sleep-over, to camp, to work. They learn to think independently of us and less and less need our input, though they don’t ever seem to cease needing the presence of their parents as a backstop – and those 16-18-20 years do go by quickly.

Like all habits, we have to practice letting go in little ways, so we’re prepared for the larger issues. What expectations can you loosen your grip on?

 

Mother’s Heart

Parents are to remember that their children are gift from God and their greatest responsibility is to point the way to God. - (Psalm 127:3-5; Psalm 113:9)

--

MOPS Links

www.mops.org - Mother organisation - new material each month 

In the meantime (while www.mops.org.nz is “under construction”) – www.mopsnz.wordpress.com - posts and pages

 

 
MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...
subscribe free : MUM-e-Mail-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Check that your computer receives mail in html, so you can click on the live links.

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz
MOPS events : www.MOPSNZ.wordpress.com


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#114 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:51 am
Subject: Time to Refuel - Feb 2008 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

February 2008

Mother Tip – Time to Refuel

Maybe we could child-swap? You take my children for a few hours today and I take yours later in the week/ month.

Mother Moment – “Out of Service”

We live on a bus route. Every 15 minutes a bus goes one way or another. At times we notice a bus going by with the route sign stating: “Out of Service”. Wish I could have one of those signs!

As a mother with little children the demands seem never-ending. Get this, clean that, put away all that. Hug, wipe, play, wash, sort, fold, vacuum, dust, prepare, peel, clean … Yep, I feel tired just thinking about it. There are times I wish I could just hang an “Out of Service” sign on my forehead. I could then drive on by – ignore the piles of laundry, the dishes in the sink or dishwasher, the smelly things in the bathroom. The many demands of our children are important to cater for, but it can be overwhelming day after day, 24/7.

This is where a MOPS morning out can be refreshing – or getting together with a friend or two. You can share the struggles you have in this stage of life with other hormonal, sleep-deprived women with little children. You learn that you’re not alone. You learn that it is OK to ask for help. It is also acceptable to take time out to refuel yourself - and to have a Sabbath rest. You find Hope, a fresh perspective, and strength to cope for the day.

© 2008 Johanna W

Mother’s Heart

I will take time out – time for self care, rest, recreation, rejuvenation – even if I have to diary it in!

--

Mentor Mum Moment

Nurture yourself – read, walk, sit, listen to music, have a slow drink, go shopping by yourself, snooze, foot soak, nail treatment, full-back massage. You’re allowed to.

Leadership

A Complaint Free World – sounds like heaven to me! Purple bracelets

http://www.fathers.com/

MOPS Link

www.mops.org.nz

events - eg. http://mopsnz.wordpress.com/centralmops/ also Manurewa ...

http://mopsnz.wordpress.com/2008/02/20/refuel/

Off for me weak cuppa tea - and some time to refuel,

Johanna

 

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#113 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Mon Feb 4, 2008 6:08 pm
Subject: Cocoon - Feb 08 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

February 2008

Mother Maxim – Protecting & Guiding

Mums give nourishment and direction to children when they are small. We connect them to the world, guiding them in their choices and decisions.

 

Mother Moment – In the Cocoon

Our homes are like cocoons. We as parents spin a layer of protection around our children and provide a place where they can grow up in safety and security with a measure of naivety and innocence. Like snuggling in a sleeping bag – warm and cosy. We turn off the television and the graphic images of violence and smut. We censor the music and books that come into the house. We vet their friends and who they spend time with. We will do what is in our power to provide a wonderful childhood for our littlies.

Our homes, like cocoons, also are places of adventure and preparation. We stimulate our children’s interests to learning new things. We create safe environments in which they can experience trying and failing and trying again, and we also prepare our children for the change of growing up, older, and wiser. From the time they leave our wombs, there’s a ‘planned obsolescence’ thing going on. We start ‘letting go’ tiny bit by bit over the 18-plus years they depend on us in varying degrees. We eventually let our butterflies go and live their own life, knowing that we have done our best with the information and resources we had at the time.

In your cocoon, Pray. Pray, Pray. Surrender your children to God. Know that you don’t parent alone. God enables us to do what he requires. Live giving hope and affirmation. Foster responsibility. Listen to your children and take them seriously. Enjoy, and have fun together.

The time in the cocoon IS short.

© 2007 Johanna Whittaker, Hamilton, NZ.

Mother’s Heart

I do my very best with my children, with how things are and with the information I have at the moment. Dear Lord, protect my children and give me insight and wisdom please – and an eternal forgiving love for my spouse.

--

MOPPETS

Time out bottles up uncomfortable emotions

“Time in” instead – the cuddle corner

Creative

Caterflies

- a diamante poem by Grace W, 7yo, © 2005

 

Caterpillars

stripy, hungry,

wiggling, eating, changing,

swanplant chrysalis cocoon metamorphosis

flying, visiting, fluttering,

beautiful, colourful,

Butterflies

Write your own diamante poems (with your child?) - Diamante Poems – http://www.readwritethink.org/

Mum’s e-Mail

Welcome to the new subscribers of MUM-e-Mail. Be encouraged with the children in your care.

MOPS Link

www.mops.org.nz - the new website is coming

 

May there be lots of hugs in your family cocoon!

Johanna
MUM-e-Mail editor

 

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

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#112 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Sun Jan 20, 2008 5:52 pm
Subject: Sense-ational Home - January 2008 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

January 2008

Mother Maxim - Remembering Your Home

The memories of the atmosphere and the relationships in our home will live on.

 

Mother Moment - Home: the story of your life

Your home reflects and celebrates your personality; in part, it tells the story of your life.

Your home is possibly your greatest sphere of influence in this world. You can't control all the sounds, sights, smells that your family encounters outside home, but you can greatly influence the atmosphere within your home. The more we are aware of this the more we can maximise this influence by creating pleasant homes.

Stimulating the senses communicates love. Don't underestimate the small acts of love expressed in your home. The gentle touch, the blown kiss, a scented candle can leave a lasting impression on someone's heart. Author Ingrid Trobisch states, "Our lives are a mosaic of little things, like putting a rose in a vase on the table. Sometimes we don't see how much those things mean."

The acts of kindness we do for ourselves express love as well. Enjoying a great cup of uninterrupted tea or soaking in a warm scented bath can replenish us so that we can, in turn, give to others.

Over time the celebrating of the senses remains with us. When a sense is stimulated frequently, the memory becomes locked in our brains and can be recalled over and over. We can use the awakening of the senses to bring back those special memories to reflect upon and relish for years to come.

Creating a 'sense-sational' home is not meant to be an end in itself, but a means to an end. The atmosphere we create in our home directly affects our home's most important aspect: the relationships we have there.

Sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches are a powerful means to bless our loved ones. Home is a great place to be.

… Furnishings and fabrics will someday be gone. Food will be eaten. Music and laughter will be hushed. Fragrance will no longer fill the rooms. But the memories of the atmosphere and the relationships in our home will live on.

(first section of article : Sense-sational Home, © by Johanna Whittaker,
first published in 3 parts, MUMSense, 2001)

Mother’s Heart

How do people describe the atmosphere of my home?
How do I describe the atmosphere in my home?
What memories do I have of my childhood home?

Mentor Mum Moment

Swim Between The Flags (click on live link)– at the beach and in life

Hospitality

Blessings for Life – recipes, health, frugal living, crafts …

MOPPETS

How our children’s brains think – interesting to see how the brain functions

 

MOPS Link

Watch for new styled website coming.

 

May God bless you in your home!

Johanna
MUM-e-Mail editor

 

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

Check that your computer receives mail in html, so you can click on the live links.
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#111 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Fri Jan 4, 2008 5:26 pm
Subject: Home is .. - Jan 08 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

January 2008

Mother Maxim - Tip

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord...”

 

Mother Moment

HOME is the theme in MUM-e-Mail this year. Home is more than bricks, mortar, and wood. It is a place of comfort and hopefully contentment; your castle; your refuge; where memories and family are. And the ultimate home for Christians is heaven, the place where we truly belong, for we are but pilgrims on a journey through this world.

Home doesn’t need to be boring or a place where we stay in a rut, even if we are creatures of habit. A home can be a place for gathering your neighbours for a cuppa or a barbecue - one or two or many. A place where love, respect, and honour for one another and God reigns supreme. A place where grace and forgiveness, both which come from God, are practised - again and again.

In many ways our earthly homes are the centre of our world. Just as the universal church is made of people, so are our homes. Mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents and children, babies, friends - old and new. Everyone related one way or another. My niece, Susan, born in India, lived as a teen in Lebanon, now in New Zealand, always thought of her home as being “where my pillow is”. Wisdom from a child. Home is with our family.

© July 2002, jmcw

 

Mother’s Heart

May I and my household be a blessing as we seek to build a home which exudes peace, warmth, and friendship.

 

Mentor Mum Moment

Shade and protection is a part of home life – emotional, spiritual, and physical safety. How about also shade from the harsh sun for your self and your family?

Leadership

Get organised! In life, home, family - printable planner forms. Yes, some people actually use these forms.

Creative

Now you will know what flowers to give – meanings in English and Spanish – just for fun.

MOPPETS – your children

Certificates for Teachers – and parents. Children love to be rewarded – and even better, they love to have their efforts recognised. More Archives.

MOPS Link

www.mops.org

 

Providing HOME for my family,

Johanna W
MUM-e-Mail editor

Check that your computer receives mail in html, so you can click on the live links.

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. © 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format – (Edit Membership) or unsubscribe.

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz


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#110 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:46 pm
Subject: Christmas (Nativitiy) - Dec07 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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The Feast of the Nativity - Twelve Nights of Christmas
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MUM-e-Mail

December 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim – A Season

 

Celebrate the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas) as a season, not a day.

 

Mum Moment – Twelve Days


Twelve Nights of Christmas actually starts on Dec 26 to January 6 (Epiphany), when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the light of the world and recalls the journey of the Magi. Some families open their gifts at this time.

The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King.

The colours of Epiphany (and usually Christmas) are white and gold - the colours of celebration, newness, and hope.

 

From A Mother's Heart


Fall on your knees, O hear the angels’ voices.
O night divine, O night, when Christ was born.
O night divine, O night, O night divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lays thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials, born to be our friend.

e-snippets

12 Days of Christmas – after Christmas to January 6 (Epiphany)

Christmas and Chemistry – something different for those with older children.

Christmas morning – time of wonder – not that we have snow DownUnder (that often!) at Christmas time.

MOPS Links

www.mops.org.nz - February? for new-look colourful website
www.mops.org - the mother organisation – “impact the world”
- - - - - - - - - - -
Jesus – born to be our friend,

Shalom
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS Int’l.
MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Chartwell, Hamilton.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of preschoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a MUM-e-Mail subscribe letter to: MUM-e-Mail@.... [note new address]

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome


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#109 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:42 pm
Subject: Christmas time - Dec07 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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No wonder I haven't heard from anyone...
 
----- Original Message -----
...
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2007 5:47 AM
...

Time of Wonder – Time for Make-Believe? – A Season
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MUM-e-Mail

December 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim – Time of Wonder

 

Mary, about-to-be mother of Jesus, in Luke 1:

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour …

 

Mum Moment – Time for Make-Believe?


Christmas: A Time for Make-Believe?

What will your family do with Santa Claus, reindeer, elves, and a sleigh? Will you make them part of your Christmas tradition - or not?

Some families choose to make this one of those examples of ways that we, as Christians, are different from the world and we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas instead of the secular version.

Other families weave the fun of these traditions into their family life, but emphasise to children the true meaning of Christmas.

If you choose to make Santa a part of your Christmas tradition, teach children the difference between make-believe and reality. You might say, "Santa isn't real but we like to play the Santa game at Christmas."

Some children who come to the shocking discovery that Santa isn't real, question whether their parents are telling them the truth in other areas of life. Some even think, "Is Jesus real? Or is he another thing my parents made up for me?"

Christmas traditions can be a lot of fun. Just be careful what you're teaching and how children are putting it all together in their heads. And be sure to remind your children often about the true meaning of Christmas.

For more practical ideas for helping children develop character, visit web site at www.biblicalparenting.org.

From A Mother's Heart

 

Help me, Lord, to tell my children the truth about Christmas and that you love us dearly. May I take the time to ponder on the fact that you love me too.

 

Mentor Mum

Make Christmas a season, not just a day. Enjoy it more by spreading out what you want to do.

 

e-snippets

Twelve Days of Christmas – after Christmas to Epiphany

Christmas songs a la Beatles – 2min. samples. My kids like these.

The Jesse Tree – stories leading up to Christmas all month

Metal tray, backing sheet drawn as a grid, magnetic homemade symbols – easy and effective Advent calendar – kids love this. I’m gonna do this!

Christmas Story Advent colouring book

 

MOPS Links

www.mops.org.nz/
www.mops.org/
www.MOPSNZ.wordpress.com
- NZ group’s events
- - - - - - - - - - -
Season’s Greetings!

Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS Int’l.
MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Chartwell, Hamilton.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of preschoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a MUM-e-Mail subscribe letter to: MUM-e-Mail@.... [note new address]

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome


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#108 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <MUM-e-Mail@...>
Date: Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:38 pm
Subject: #7 Cleansed and Forgiven - Nov07 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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a glitch in the address changeover ... sorry.
 
----- Original Message -----
...
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 8:04 AM
...

#7 Cleansed & Forgiven – Life to the Full – Sort Issues
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MUM-e-Mail

November 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim – Life to the Full


John 10:10 – Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full”.

 

Mum Moment – Cleansed & Forgiven


I thought I’d finished writing this series. I was in the shower, where many of my inspirational thoughts come, when I realised that each article related to a room in the house. But one room was not included – the laundry or washhouse, an essential ‘engine’ room in any home. A place where odd things get stored, yet the place where regular washes occur.

To have a sweet aroma about us, we shower, and we launder our clothes regularly, washing off the mud, puke, or the odours of life. We also need to cleanse our inner selves. Forgiving others and being forgiven. Releasing and being released. Not letting anger, bitterness, envy, or grudges grip and bind our joy of life. Not letting the baggage of our past weigh us down – baggage of guilt, fear, rejection, and shame.

Whether you follow Jesus or not, I long for you to know of the wonderful grace of God. This is available to us when we accept that Jesus Christ, God’s son, died on a Roman cross and rose again in order to make God’s loving forgiveness freely available for us. This is quite a bit to take in.

God, the Creator of the Universe, wants to get to know us and us to get to know Him. He loves each of us incredibly. Wow! No matter what we have done or not done. He loves us and has wiped all slates clean when we believe Him and take Him at His word. This is undeserved grace. But it’s available to each of us - in abundance. Aue!

I hope that you continue to learn what this means. Living in His grace brings freedom and peace – but not as the world knows it. Take in this truth deeply. Like when you have a freshly laundered towel ready to go away, you bury your face in it and enjoy inhaling - it’s dry, fluffy, and smells ‘mmm’. But you’re not going away in the cupboard, your sweetness, your aroma will be a joy to God – and to those around you.

May God’s blessings be yours!

-© 2007 Johanna Whittaker, Hn, NZ

 

Sort problems and issues out as quickly as you can. “Don’t let the sun go down” without sorting out disagreements and strong emotions.

MUM  Tip      

Use vinegar (acetic acid) in the rinse cycle of your washing machine and your dishwasher. Try it and see.

e-snippets - click

www.historyswomen.com - click on a silhouette figure. Try Amazing Moms then click on a name like Susannah Wesley.

Devotionals for Kids - 

Learn more of Judaism and the basis of Christian faith – UK RE info for children
(above links have merit but are not necessarily  endorsed by MOPS (NZ) Inc.)

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website – watch for the bright new look and new logo early in the New Year.
 
Events  - Term 4 – Find out here what’s happening in New Zealand MOPS groups

MOPS International – the mother organisation – check it each month – changing articles, forums

- - - - - - - - - - -
Is forgiveness the end of the matter – or is it the beginning?
Shalom.

Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS Int’l.
MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Chartwell, Hamilton.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of preschoolers and their supporters.
If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a MUM-e-Mail subscribe letter to: MUM-e-Mail@.... [note new address]

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome

 

 


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#107 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Sat Nov 3, 2007 7:41 pm
Subject: #6 The Big Picture - Nov07 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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#6 Breathe Deeply – See the Big Picture – Jigsaw puzzles
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MUM-e-Mail

November 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim – Breathe Deeply

 

Where have you seen God this week?

 

Mum Moment – See The Big Picture


Getting issues sorted like knowing your worth, nutrition, rest, creativity, and fun will help the hard stuff of life to be less of a problem.

What are sources of stress for you? Tantrums, busy-ness, misunderstandings with your husband or child, learning something new (like raising children), life not being perfect …

Go back through the first five central issues again (and again?). (Check archives online at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MUM-e-Mail/)

There’s no easy answer and sometimes situations or problems need to be dealt with several times, as in the layers of the onion. The light bulb wasn’t created in one attempt. Edison kept at it again and again - hundreds of times. Don’t think of repeating things, over and over, as failure. Each time, something new is learnt. These are the progressive steps to success.

Keep the big picture in view. What are your stated hopes and dreams for yourself? Your marriage? Your children? Remind yourself of them. Hold on to them – hide them in your heart. What ‘can-do’ steps will bring you closer to fulfilling those dreams?

I want my children to be contributing godly citizens, being creative people of integrity. And I have about 18 years to achieve this – baby-step by baby-step. There’s hills and valleys. The view is good from the hills, but the fruit is in the valleys. It’s a journey. A marathon, not a short sprint.

Pace yourself for the long haul. Be kind to yourself. Breathe deeply. Allow yourself time and space just to be. Rearrange (lower?) your expectations at times.

Have a positive attitude to life and its imperfections. Practice contentment and serenity. 1 Timothy 6:6 states: “Godliness with contentment is great gain”. Work with what is. Engage God’s wisdom and help – ask Him for whatever you need.

And know that God loves you … and you … and you …

© 2007, Johanna Whittaker, Hn, NZ.

 

e-snippets

Everything I Needed to Know about Life I Learned from a Jigsaw Puzzle -  Selected from The Sermon Fodder Newsletter

Get unstuck and get going - stories

Australian parenting Website – well laid out – for preschoolers +

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website
MOPS groups’ events – see what other mum’s are doing
MOPS International
- - - - - - - - - - -
Glad to have the big picture (besides, the small ones are often too hard to see!),

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS Int’l.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters.
If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

Don't want to get this newsletter anymore? Click the link to unsubscribe. We won't cry. Much.

Write *letters*, feedback, questions. Mother’s tips*, ideas welcome.

 


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#106 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Fri Oct 19, 2007 7:04 pm
Subject: #5 Fun - Oct07 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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#5 Life to the Full – Having Fun Yet? – Mum Has Fun
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MUM-e-Mail

October 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim – Life to the Full

 

Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things.

Is Mum having fun yet?

 

Mum Moment – Having Fun Yet?

 

Parents often fail to realise that child rearing can and should be fun. Actually, it's your duty to have fun. Otherwise, how can you be a good parent?

Having fun has to do with permission. Those of us who struggle with the work-all-the-time myth often feel the need for permission to play.

Jesus told his disciples, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” in John 10:10. He wasn't having you on. That means abundant, rich, free FUN. Fun has to do with taking the permission God gives and giving it to ourselves.

And guess what? Fun is healthy. It's healthy for us and it's healthy for our children. Laughter and lightness are some of the ingredients that grow our souls.

Take time, be messy, eat sugar and fat when having fun.

Solve everyday challenges with creative and light-hearted solutions. Routine is good, but always ‘the same old routine’ becomes monotonous repetition. Mess it up at times. Do things backwards – or not at all. Turn dinner time into a celebration. Turn waiting times into fun, singing, learning times. Brainstorm other ‘wacky’ events or days to celebrate. Think of some creative ways to add some pizzazz to your daily routines.

Is Mum having fun yet? The children are partly responsible for Mum (and Dad) having fun. Why isn’t Mum having fun yet? The children learn that they contribute to the atmosphere of the family, but it starts with Mum’s mindset.

It’s easier to create your own happy family team when you are in a light mood. Boundaries are still important for the security of the children, but your non-judgmental awareness (not constantly criticising, paying positive attention to your child) and pure curiosity defuses many of the power/control struggles. 

Celebrate, be creative, and have fun! It’s a state of mind – and a healthy attitude to life.

© 2007, Johanna Whittaker, Hn, NZ.


We’re working through a 7-part series on “Essential Central Issues for Mothers”. I hope and pray that they inspire you in ordering your life:
#1 Amazing & Worth It! (Foundations);
#2 Nutrition (Kitchen);
#3 Rest the Mind (Bedroom);
#4 Creativity (Living Room);
#5 Fun (Play Room);
#6 Big Picture (Bathroom-Ensuite – don’t you do your deep thinking there?!); and #7 … (The Laundry Room).

 

Mentor Mum Moment

You can honour your own needs and avoid feelings of guilt and sacrifice - have fun raising your children. You won’t pass this way again.

A time saver too – Have the children hold your feet or copy you whilst you exercise. The Weider rebounder is THE BEST ‘toy’ we have! Worth the top $$ I paid for it. It gives the children an outlet to expend energy and a place to bounce that is not the bed, even as they get older. Mother even uses it at times for a few knees-ups and star jumps. Gotta be good for you!

e-snippets

Party! Party Party! – not surprisingly by a sugar company, but hey! Fun!

www.momhasfunparenting.com  -

Rule #1

for this house is...

Mum Has Fun!

http://www.morefunlessworkparenting.com

http://www.momhasfun.com

MOPS Links

Some weeks, mothers of preschoolers don’t go out due to sickness or situations in the home, and the phone or computer may be the only contact with the big wide world. So this friendly word, in the midst of life with littlies, we hope will be a tonic and an encouragement to carry on.

MOPSNZ website

See MOPS NZ MUMSense Magazine subscription form below.

MOPS International – changes each month
- - - - - - - - - - -
Consciously learning to have fun – and to be fun!

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS Int’l.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome


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#105 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Wed Oct 3, 2007 7:11 am
Subject: #4 Creativity - Oct07 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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[not sure what happened last time!?]
#4 Creativity comes - Love Your Creativity
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MUM-e-Mail

October 2007

A MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) morning on paper

 

Mothering Maxim – Try It On For Size


Creativity comes with:
seeing things differently,
seeing different things,
generating multiple options,
breaking the rules,
a high level of awareness,
knowing how you think,
thinking and linking,
playing 'what ifs’, and
trying something on for size.

 

Mum Moment – Love Your Creativity


Some will say that creativity is something to be learned. I say it is to be nurtured. I believe we're made in the image of God and He, being a very creative God, made us as very creative people. This is the essence of who we are, whether expressed in art, crafts, dance, writing, music, gardening. We can't sidestep it, just as we can't sidestep breathing.

And ... we are very unique and very valuable to this very creative God! This is exciting for me because we're all different and this diversity makes life so much fun. Your work, personality, and style is different to mine - not better or worse. Different. We can all learn from each other. And we can all encourage each other in our endeavours.

Look at how quickly children learn self-consciousness. So I try to model 'success' and 'failure' and 'celebrating' both, so that my children become 'dust-the-pants-off' kind of kids. Children with confidence to try - and to try again.

As a mother, I have to stop the mother's 'critical tapes’ coming out my mouth. I want to value CELEBRATING for celebration's sake - and thankfully my husband has bought into this idea. Celebration full-stop. No added on expectations for more.

There is a time to critique or to evaluate your own work, but it isn't during the creative phase.

May I encourage each of you to have the confidence to love your creativity in whatever form it takes, and your children watching you will love you for it - one day. And follow you with their creativity.

- Johanna Whittaker, Hn, NZ. 2007

 

Creativity comes by:

Letting your dreams come true for you
Quieting the inner critic
Learning to change reality
Altering your sense of time
Becoming more spontaneous
Becoming a creative problem-solver
Loving your creative self
Learning to accept nurturance

 

If you’re not finding time to do your favourite craft, can you express your creativity by encouraging your children in theirs? Sit down with the colouring pencils [not felts!] and each colour in your own copy of the same picture. The children model what you do, learn to follow instruction, and you get to be creative and cheerful together. (You might use watercolour pencils instead – and when finished show the children the wonder of a wet brush over your drawing.)

 

e-snippets

Healthy Snacks – big hit with the little kids

Parenting resources-  MOMsense articles etc

How MOPS Changed My Life – Saddleback story

Creative Assessment – 40 questions, 10  minutes

Creative Ideas from Ellison, the die and cutters people – click for ideas

CanTeach – Art Supplies recipes

I love fractals – embellished by Janet Parke, “Toccata & Fugue” - made by mathematical means – enjoy the poem under this one too.

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website

Vintage MUM-e-Mail – back to 2003 – scroll back through the years

MOPSNZ blog – what’s new

MOPS in Europe  and   MOPS International
- - - - - - - - - - -
Unique and creative!
regards,

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS Int’l.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

Write your *letters*, feedback, questions.
Mother’s tips, ideas welcome


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#103 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Wed Sep 19, 2007 11:42 am
Subject: #3 Resting - Sept07 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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#3 Time Apart – Resting Mind – Priorities – MOPS links
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MUM-e-Mail

September 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

Mothering Maxim – Time Apart

 

Take time apart so you won’t fall apart.

 

Mum Moment – Resting the Mind


Life is essentially a balance of work, play, and rest. Call the latter sleep, blobbing, naps, shut eye, or time out doing nothing - yes! You, Mum, are allowed to rest.

Habits rule. In our family, with my children now seven and nine years old and it’s easier because we homeschool, we STILL have what we call “Quiet Time” after lunch. Mum makes the call – one hour of quietness on your bed. Put teddy and about 4-6 books on the children’s bed with the instruction that “you stay on your bed with no noise until the ‘beeper’ (oven clock timer) goes. You can read, sleep, or snooze, but you stay quietly on your bed.” As they get older, I needed to add “No pens, no cars” and sometimes it’s only 30 minutes.

I spend only 1-2 minutes tidying in my room, check the children are settling, then climb on my bed armed with a cuppa and the latest “Your Home and Garden” or three, and settle down myself. Yes, the kitchen still needs cleaning, the lounge needs a pick-up and tidy, the washing cries out from the washing machine. But no! it will wait. I rest, sometimes even sleep, for up to an hour. And it’s great modelling for your children to see you reading and resting.

Five to fifteen minutes to turn the brain off is better than nothing. The experts talk of 20 minute "Power Naps” during the day. Every bit helps! Again get a pattern to your days.

When breast feeding I hinged my day at 7pm, so if the rest of it turned to custard at least Baby had a night time routine and slept a whole lot better—and so did the rest of the household.

Plan, too, to take a day off each week. This Sabbath rest, in whatever form you take it, is vitally important in the rhythm of life. This is a day to relax, reconnect, and rejuvenate. Connect to the important things of life – family, God, friends.

- (c) 2007, Johanna Whittaker, Hn, NZ

 

 

You always have time for what you put first. And you are allowed to rest and “put your feet up” – permission is granted!!

 

Get free magazines from your Public Library, like Your Home and Garden, Burke’s Backyard, Ian and Mary Grant’s Parenting mag, North and South. You have them one week to read and enjoy for free (at my local library anyway).

 

e-snippets

Quick Made Mini-Organiser – little 8 page. I gave one each to my under 10s – good for in the car with a pencil.

Bible Crafts -

Baby University – for mum

MOPS Links

MOPS NZ website + forum
MOPS NZ blog – leave a comment
MOPS in Europe –
MOPS International - new logo unveiled
- - - - - - - - - - -
Glad to take a break for me at times. (And I'm sleeping in tomorrow. I hope!)

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS Int’l.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome

 


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#102 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Wed Sep 5, 2007 6:57 am
Subject: #2 Nutrition - fast or slow? - Sept07 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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#2 Worth the effort – Nutrition – fast or slow? - Balance
Use these links to change your e-mail address or format – (Edit Membership) or unsubscribe.

MUM-e-Mail

September 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim – Worth the Effort

 

You (and your family) are worth the effort.

 

Mum Moment – Nutrition – fast or slow?


Tired? Listless? Can’t be bothered?

This is where to start. Eat regularly and well. Sitting down at the dining table with the family. Just as the sun and moon rise and set with regularity so you need to eat and rest regularly - you and your children. We’re not all on the same timetable [ask any breastfeeding mother!], but this is where family, husband, and freezer can help you out.

Use slow cookers or crock pots. Ask for some recipes from your friendship network. There are plenty online and it’s easy enough to make up some of your own.

I have found “Cook once—eat twice” to be a major help to my health and sanity. It takes pretty much the same time to do a double lot of food. Divide it up, even squeeze 3 meals out – add more vegetables (thanks Destitute Gourmet). Long live 2L ice cream containers. Use your freezer.

In a pyrex casserole dish, cook 2 cups of rice and 3 cups of water for about 13 minutes in the microwave, with a quick stir in the middle of cooking and take off the lid. This cooked rice can be added to a stew, stir fry, mashed into some kumara for baby, custard, or blended in with sausage meat for grilled patties.

Cut out sachet foods. There are too many additives in them that can compromise health and behaviour.

Find new ways to increase fruit and vegetables in your daily food intake. Soup, salads, raw, or cooked. Plenty of variety. I used a colourful plate of food to teach my children the colours of the rainbow. We had to have a blue cloth or plate! We would sing the colours to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me”.

Red, orange, yellow, Green, and blue,
Indigo, violet – More colours too.
Black and white makes grey*, you know. 
All the colours in God’s rainbow.

[*or any other combo like: red and blue makes purple, you know]

Yes, Jesus loves you. You (and your family) are worth the effort.

- by Johanna Whittaker, Hn, NZ. 2007

From A Mother's Heart


There’s so much to balance as a mother of little children. Teach me, Lord, to get the basics right first.


 

e-snippets (I think they’re good, but not nec endorsed by MOPS)

http://www.goodsearch.com/ - support your favourite charity .. er .. MOPS International (charityid=814824) while you search

MumHasFun Parenting – I’ve found this website helpful in the last couple of weeks.

Leader of Influence – good for mothers too.

Suburban CEO – see mother-life differently

www.destitutegourmet.com - Sophie Gray – family cooking on the cheap

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website
MOPSNZ weblog – say hi!
MOPS in Europe 
www.mops.org - mother organisation

- - - - - - - - - - -
Glad to be a mum and to model healthy options!

Yours faithfully,


Johanna W


on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.

© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS Int’l.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome

 


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#101 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Thu Aug 23, 2007 11:58 pm
Subject: #1 Amazing & Worth It! - Aug07 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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Amazing – Worth It – New Series – e-snippets
Use these links to change your e-mail address or format – (Edit Membership) or unsubscribe.

MUM-e-Mail

August 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

Mothering Maxim – I’m Amazing

 

To know me is to love me.

 

Mum Moment – #1 Amazing and Worth It!


Do you KNOW that you are loved? By others? By God? By yourself?!

When I was teaching teens and adults, I started mathematics classes with a comment like this: “I believe in a created order and this order and design is reflected in the world around us. There are patterns, rhythms, and cycles throughout all life and the earth in which we live. Seasons, calendars, sun up and sun down - all follow a pattern. Leaves on plants have a sequence, for example, the Fibonacci Series…” and on I would explain the patterns and order of life and how we cannot live without maths.

God was thoughtful when He designed us with rhythms and cycles. Our bodies heal themselves. Your resting and the deep sleep of night (unless you have a baby!) brings growth to your bones and body. The cyclic seasons rest, renew, and work the earth.

How awesome is the human body and the created world around us.

God created it all – and saw that it was good. In fact, He saw that ‘Man’ was very good – and don’t you forget it. The L’Oreal advertising campaign reminds us that: You’re worth it!

How about you get in the habit of telling yourself, your children, your darling – that you are amazing!! Watch for the reaction. But smile inwardly knowing the truth of this statement. Go on – repeat after me : “I’m amazing!”

Now go and stun someone!

 - Johanna Whittaker 2007

From A Mother's Heart


Remind me often, Lord, that You are in your heaven, with your eyes going to and fro over the earth. You care about me! Thanks for an amazing life.

Mum's e-mail                                                                

Welcome to our new subscribers. Be encouraged in your motherhood!

We start a new 7-part series today on “Essential Central Issues for Mothers”. I have pondered long over this course of articles, but hope and pray that they inspire you in ordering your life: Amazing & Worth It! (Foundations) - Nutrition (Kitchen) - Rest the Mind (Bedroom) - Creativity (Living Room) - Fun (Play Room) - Big Picture (Bathroom-Ensuite) - The Laundry Room.

e-snippets (link online)

Cradle2Kindy Au. Parenting Solutions – articles – site map

Chore Buster - Organize your chores – Kiwi way to organise chores – we use it!

Resources to add meaning to your journaling at ScrapYOURStories.com

Christian Parenting - Raising Children Christian Kids Advice Free...  – MOMsense magazine

Me - Johanna at StumbleUpon

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website – changes underway – new look to be revealed sometime soon
MOPSNZ blog – write back !
Events 
MOPS in Europe – forum too

- - - - - - - - - - -
oh! What it is to be amazing!

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS Int’l.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.
*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome

http://MOPSNZ.org.nz


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#100 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Sun Aug 5, 2007 8:49 pm
Subject: Love + Forgiveness - August 2007 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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Love + Forgiveness – ABCs of Marriage – Parenting – Fun
change your e-mail address or format – (Edit Membership) or unsubscribe.

MUM-e-Mail

August 2007

- a newsletter to enthuse, entertain, or educate mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim – Love & Forgiveness

 

Create a home of compassion and sincerely express love.

 

Mum Moment – The ABCs of Marriage


A Appreciate your husband and all that he does for you and your family.
B Brag on him every chance you get.
C Be creative, from cooking mince to turning around an unhappy attitude.
 D Dream. Share his dreams and do what you can to help him fulfil them.
 E Encouragement. Do you need encouragement? So does he.
 F Fun. Have fun with him.
 G Give when there seems nothing life in you to give.
 H Hold hands often.
 I Interest. Try to be interested in what he is interested in.
 J Jealousy. Don't be jealous of his time spent at work, ministry, or helping others.
 K Kiss him often.
 L Listen to him, and don't take over the conversation.
 M Make up quickly so you don't give the enemy a foothold.
 N Notice the little things he does for you.
 O Obey as unto the Lord.
 P Pray consistently for him.
 Q Quiet. Have a quiet spirit and be quick to forgive.
 R Rest in the Lord.
 S Submit, don't manipulate.
 T Trust even when you think he's wrong.
 U Utilize your time well.
 V Vacation. Get away when you can, especially when you have children.
 W Walks. Take walks together.
 X,Y,Z Well, these are up to you! 

This is the end of this series “The Power of a Positive Mom”, by Karol Ladd, http://www.positivemom.com – next time we start on Fresh Air.

 

From A Mother's Heart

This week I’m specifically praying for …

My choices – I will choose to: …

 

e-snippets

MOMSense Parenting articles - scroll down and click

Just for Fun! – zany.. July, summer tips.

** Praying for Your Children – calendar format (pdf)

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website  - changing, new address

MOPSNZ blog – periodic comment

- - - - - - - - -
Keep loving, forgiving, and starting fresh – each day!

Welcome to our new members ...

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) New Zealand Inc and MOPS International.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome

 

website

 


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#99 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Thu Jul 19, 2007 10:52 pm
Subject: Forgiveness - July 2007 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

July 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

Mothering Maxim – Make God More Real


Help make God's forgiveness more real to your child.

Mum Moment – Seek Forgiveness

 

Seek your child's forgiveness when you are unfair or impatient or wrong. This will not diminish you in his eyes. Your apology will teach your child to apologise herself. It also will prove that you are a person worthy of trust.

Accompany your forgiveness with physical affection. A hug or kiss reinforces your child's belief that everything is "all right" now.

When your child says she is sorry, respond with the words "I forgive you" rather than something like "that's OK."

Help your child make restitution when his hurtful act requires it. Discuss what is required to "make things right." Or the relationship right. Help your child do the steps that she cannot do completely on her own. Making things right, insofar as is possible, is a lesson most children will never forget.

Help your child to replace bad behaviour with good. Acknowledge your child's feelings. Then help her see how to change her behaviour. For example, you can say, "I can see that you get very angry when your sister plays with your toys. Hitting is not allowed in our house, even when someone makes us very angry. Instead of hitting your sister when she plays with your toys, what can you do?" Then help to develop a strategy.

When you forgive your child, reassure her that you have forgotten her misdeed as well. Remember that when God forgives us, He casts our sins so far away that He cannot remember them. One way to demonstrate to your child that you have forgotten the misdeed is to write it on a piece of paper, cross it out, write the word "forgiven" across the paper, and then burn or bury it. Remember not to bring it up again!

Focus often on forgiving and forgiveness, a marvellous gift from our God who knows our stumbling, erring ways so well and loves us anyway.

http://www.primarytreasure.com/resource/forgiveness_cat.htm

 

From A Mother's Heart

 

Help to set things right between your children, you and your child, and your child and God. … Lord, grant me patient calm.

 

e-snippets

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love. (Mildred B Vermont)

Etymology & History of First Names – what to call your baby?

 

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website

MOPSNZ blog

Events

 


Forgiving and being forgiven!
Secure in God’s Love.

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) New Zealand Inc and MOPS International.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

Unsubscribe – send a blank e-mail
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#98 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Fri Jul 6, 2007 9:36 pm
Subject: Character Qualities - July 2007 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

July 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim - Standards

 

If you tell the truth you don’t have anything to remember. [Mark Twain, 1894]

 

Mum Moment – Character Qualities

 

Qualities of Wise Character

Character, "the inner person", must be trained to become mature. Because of Adam and Eve and the Fall, we gravitate towards immaturity, foolishness, self-importance and autonomy. Children learn self-government and maturity by habitually submitting to parental training. (Psalm 94:12,13)

The Dedricks describe several biblical qualities of wise character:

1.     A wise child accepts discipline (Proverbs 13:1; 15:31-33; Psalm 119:71; Hebrews 5:8,9,14; 1 Samuel 3:19)

2.     A wise child obeys all commands. (Colossians 3:20)

3.     A wise child replaces foolishness with wisdom and good conduct.

4.     A wise child is mindful of his creator and learns to know and value God’s word. (Ecclesiastes12:1; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:15).

5.     A wise child honours and fears his parents and elders (Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:3,32; Deut. 5:16; Ephesians. 6:2,3). What does it mean for a child to honour their parents? "With the honour of authority is the responsibility to be honourable ... Parents are expected to grow in grace; not harsh nor unreasonable but just, not inconsistent but reliable, not neglectful but nurturing and admonishing." (see Ephesians 6:4)

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/haylett/fm/fm11_charact.html

From A Mother's Heart

 

This week I’m praying for …

 

My choices – I will choose to:
… to honour my children in their uniqueness …

e-snippets

Family Portrait – make your own

MOPS in Europe – see the “Why MOPS?” video online (best with DSL/broadband)

Writing + Grammar – Grade 1, click on the links

Learn HTML – simple (something I can use!) - click on the numbers

Printables – 2002 list but still useful

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website
MOPSNZ blog
Events - Celebration in Hamilton for everyone interested in MOPS NZ.
RSVP. Today’s good.

MUM's Mail (from you to me)

 [ nothing :-( ]

- - - - - - - - - - -
Early to be, early to rise, makes a person healthy, wealthy and wise … er .. tired?

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) New Zealand Inc and MOPS International.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

Unsubscribe – send a blank e-mail
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#97 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Thu Jun 21, 2007 6:44 pm
Subject: Moral Standards - June 2007 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

June 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim – Moral Standards

 

"Train up a child in the way s/he should go, and when s/he is old s/he will not depart from it"  - Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

 

Mum Moment – Establish Boundaries

 

The Father’s Duty to Establish Loving Discipline

In the Bible, the father is shown to have the primary responsibility for the character training of his children. And while we value our (Mum’s) nitty-gritty work of everyday care and attention, let’s not underestimate Dad’s role in enforcing and maintaining standards of obedience. Dad’s attention to family life is vital.

He needs to be watchful over his children’s behaviour if he is present and not leave this to his wife. He needs to listen and give attention to his wife’s assessment of his children’s problems and abilities. He needs to be prayerful (He must first love his wife so that his prayers are not hindered, 1 Peter 3:7).

This requires Dad to be an example in work and rest, teaching his children how to work, directing Lord’s Day rest and family worship, and enjoying recreation with his family.

Ways Mums can help Dads is to give” the man a plan”.

Encourage him to lead Bible readings for the family – or object lessons.

Use real objects. For example, How do we sharpen a knife? Against another knife or a steel. Show the children .. scrape scrape. .. This is how we grow better as people – sometimes we’ll disagree but that’s ok. .. Teach the children one thing about life or God.

Also encourage your man to read biographies or learn about character qualities and how people think. I find the best way here is to check out (and subscribe to, in pdf) Christian Book Summaries and print out the about 5000 word summary of a good book encouraging DH to read it or read segments to him.

Or read up on and then give your husband the elevator/lift version of something useful you’ve learnt or read [you know, whatever can be said in 5-10 seconds]. Then ask a question about it, or suggest that “that could work in our family”.

Romans 12:2 – be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Ideas from: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/haylett/fm/fm11_charact.html

From A Mother's Heart

 

This week I’m praying for …

(list at least one thing for each member in your household including yourself)

My choices – I will choose to: …

e-snippets

family man – reminding Dads of what’s important –

dadphotos – I guess they’ll see the humour!

classes for men – ha ha

Words Women Use – by a man – oops

Past Book Summaries -CBS

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website

MOPSNZ weblog

Events – Celebration in Hamilton for everyone interested in MOPS NZ. RSVP. Now’s good.

MUM's Mail

Since January, MUM-e-Mail has been working our way through the seven main points of Karol Ladd’s book: “The Power of A Positive Mom”.

1. Encouragement

2. Prayer

3. Good Attitude

4. Strong Relationships

5. Example

6. Strong Moral Standards

7. Love & Forgiveness

- - - - - - - - - -
Line up what you do with God, not others!

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS International.

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome – send a note.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters.
If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here. 

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#96 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Tue Jun 5, 2007 7:34 pm
Subject: Example - June 2007 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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Example – Modelling – Family – Exuberantly
Use these links to change your e-mail address or format – (Edit Membership) or unsubscribe.

MUM-e-Mail

June 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

Mothering Maxim - Example

 

I don’t have to attend every argument I’m invited to.

 

Mum Moment – Modelling Family


Research shows that family dinners can have some very positive effects in preventing different types of addictions and even depression, according to a study done by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. The study reveals that frequent family dinners cut teens’ substance abuse risk in half. “Family dinnertime creates family bonding.”

The children have a greater sense of family, are involved in calm discussion about their day and family plans. They learn to give and take, think of others, and practice basic manners (“Please pass the salt”).

Family dinner tables also provide an opportunity to read the Scriptures and to consider God’s goodness and provision for us daily by saying Grace (blessing the food).

It is a place to create happy family memories, a place for encouragement and to eat healthily and well.

 

From A Mother's Heart


I want to create FAMILY.

May my dinner table represent peace, health, gratefulness, good examples, and a time for family to enjoy each other’s company.

How many more people can I include around my ‘dinner table’?

 

MUM's Mail (from you to me for you)

Celebrate Exuberantly
~ Sat 28 July ~ MOPSNZ is 10! ~ (*exuberantly click link above)

e-snippets

Servant Leadership for women – NEW

Maths – never too early for children to discover.

Kids feel OK when … - easy read – write to me for free 4page pdf file

Great Ideas for .. – don’t forget to click on the ‘more great ideas’ under the tip.

Listening, Sequencing Activities for Preschoolers

UnPreschool – yahoogroup, easy sign-up. Children are best with Mum.

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website
MOPSNZ weblog – tag it
Events  -  10 years celebration for MOPSNZ
MOPS in Europe – up and running!

- - - - - - - - - - -
Glad to be a mum and a model!

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS Int’l.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome

http://MOPSNZ.bravehost.com

~~ *exuberant = enthusiastic, excited, lively, energetic, high-spirited, cheerful, animated [sounds like my children!]


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#95 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Sat Jun 2, 2007 9:58 am
Subject: Example - June 2007 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

June 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim - Example

 

I don’t have to attend every argument I’m invited to.

 

Mum Moment – Modelling Family


Research shows that family dinners can have some very positive effects in preventing different types of addictions and even depression, according to a study done by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. The study reveals that frequent family dinners cut teens’ substance abuse risk in half. “Family dinnertime creates family bonding.”

The children have a greater sense of family, are involved in calm discussion about their day and family plans. They learn to give and take, think of others, and practice basic manners (“Please pass the sauce”).

Family dinner tables also provide an opportunity to read the Scriptures and to consider God’s goodness and provision for us daily by saying Grace (blessing the food).

It is a place to create happy family memories, a place for encouragement and to eat healthily and well.

 

From A Mother's Heart


I want to create FAMILY.

May my dinner table represent peace, health, gratefulness, good examples, and a time for ‘Mum, Dad, and the kids’ to enjoy each other’s company.

How many more people can I include around my ‘dinner table’?

MUM's Mail (*from you to me for you)

Celebrate Exuberantly ~ Sat 28 July ~ MOPSNZ is 10! ~

(*exuberantly click link)

[*exuberant = enthusiastic, excited, lively, energetic, high-spirited, cheerful, animated - sounds like my children!]

e-snippets (MOPSNZ doesn't necessarily endorse these websites)

Servant Leadership for women – NEW

Maths – never too early for children to discover.

Kids feel OK when … - easy read – write to me for free 4page pdf file

Great Ideas for .. – don’t forget to click on the ‘more great ideas’ under the tip.

Listening, Sequencing Activities for Preschoolers

UnPreschool – yahoogroup, easy sign-up. Best with Mum.

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website - Kiwi MOPS
MOPSNZ 'blog – tag it or leave a comment
Events  -  10 years celebration for MOPSNZ
MOPS in Europe – up and running!

- - - - - - - - - - -
Glad to be a mum and a model!

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W

on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS International.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters.
If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

*letters, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas are welcomed

http://MOPSNZ.bravehost.com


Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (2)
#94 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Fri May 18, 2007 5:45 pm
Subject: Example - May 2007 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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Send Email Send Email
 

MUM-e-Mail

May 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim - Example

 

Success comes in cans. Failure comes in can'ts. Knock those t’s off!

Mum Moment - Set a Good Example


As parents. we are the Living Lesson book for our children – our actions speak louder than words.

Set a good example. Children imitate what they see others do and what they hear others say.

When you exercise and eat nourishing food, your child is more likely to do so as well.

When you treat others with respect, your child probably will, too.

If you share things with others, your child also will learn to be thoughtful of others’ feelings.

In this way, you can make marvellous memories – creating lasting tradition in your family.

From A Mother's Heart Kitchen

Alison Holst's Homemade Gingernuts  (50-70 biscuits)

100g butter, melted
1 tsp golden syrup
1 cup (200g) sugar
2 tsp ground ginger
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda - level, no lumps
1¾ cups (200g) flour

Melt butter. Heat Tbsp in hot water, stir golden syrup into butter. Add in sugar, ginger and egg; mix well with fork.
Mix baking soda into room temperature (not warm) mixture.
Add unsifted flour; stir to make a soft, workable dough.
Use tsp to make small balls; lightly flatten with floured fork. Preheat oven to 180°C. Bake about 10 mins til golden brown. Cool; store in airtight containers.
- a classic Kiwi recipe

e-snippets

State of the Union – husband and wife teamwork

In the Way They Should Go – article by Tricia Goyer

Random Acts of Kindness – MOPS mums

When I Grow Up – by Sharri Kerkhof

 

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website

MOPSNZ weblog

Events

mops.org sitemap – A-Z

MUM's Mail
(from me to you)

Interested in MOPSNZ?

Saturday 28 July 2007
1:00 pm—3:30 pm
Hamilton Central Baptist

- - - - - - - - - - -
Keep quietly modelling the way in which your child/ren should go,

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.


© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS International.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters.
If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome

http://MOPSNZ.bravehost.com


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#93 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Wed May 9, 2007 10:41 pm
Subject: Strong Relationships - May 2007 - MeM 		jmcwnz
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MUM-e-Mail

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

May 2007

 

Mothering Maxim – Relationships

 

'Don't sweat the small stuff in your marriage. Respect one another and express your respect daily. Pick your battles by level of importance to you.' – a mother’s mother

 

Mum Moment – Your Man’s Needs

 

Men are not all that complex in their needs, but those needs are very intense.

A man has a need for:
* Faithfulness: knowledge that the woman he loves will never sell him out.
* Support and submission: assurance that his wife will follow his lead without questioning every decision he makes, especially in crises.
* Encouragement: sympathy, faith support, and understanding - in good times, but even more in bad times.
* Importance: status and value in giving advice in making plans.
* Respect: feeling that he is held in high esteem, privately and publicly.
* A completer: someone to give him input for his decisions, quiet admonishment about his flesh patterns, and spiritual and moral support.
* A partner: someone with whom to share all his life, for life. 

- “Straight Talk”, p5, by Bill & Anabel Gillham
(more … see that women are more complex)

From A Mother's Heart

 

May I always have time to be a ‘help-meet’ for my husband – and to pray for him regularly [if I don’t, who will?].

 

e-snippets

Parenting – Crosswalk website

Prayer – stand in the gap; make a hedge

Too Much Praise? – read this forum

Is your parenting style producing permanent infants?

Show to your menfolk! – what comes after ‘I Love You..’

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website – kept up-to-date

MOPSNZ weblog – leave a comment J if you like.

MUM's Mail
(from you to me)

Hey Everyone,
I’m sure there are heaps of mothers with preschoolers who would love receiving MUM-e-Mail, especially from places that talk about mum and mummy.
There are two ways for your friends to sign up (1) follow the instructions at the bottom of each MeM, ie. Send an e-mail to me with subscribe in subject line: mumemail@..., or (2) send blank e-mail to: MUM-e-Mail-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Let’s see if we can get our number of subscribers over 250.  J  We’ve hovered around 210-220 for long enough, eh?!
Remember the shampoo advert with Rachel Hunter in it: ‘and they told two friends..’ and ‘..they told two friends..’.

Thank you for spreading the word – MUM-e-Mail.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Be strong in your heart, and mind, and soul!

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS International.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome

http://MOPSNZ.bravehost.com


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#92 From: "MUM-e-Mail" <mumemail@...>
Date: Sat Apr 28, 2007 9:49 pm
Subject: Strong Relationships - Apr 07 - MeM 		jmcwnz
Offline Offline
Send Email Send Email
 

MUM-e-Mail

April 2007

- a newsletter to entertain, educate, or enthuse
mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

 

Mothering Maxim – Strong Relationships

 

Learn From Your Dog #18 : Bond with your pack.

 

Mum Moment – Effective Parenting


Parenting is all about relating. The better our relationship with our children, the better our chances at effective parenting.

Affirmation - When we affirm a child’s feelings, it gives them a sense of authenticity.

Acceptance - When you give unconditional acceptance, you give a child a sense of security.

Appreciation - When we express appreciation, it gives a child a sense of significance.

Availability - When we are available to our children, it gives them a sense of importance.

Affection - When we show our children affection, it gives them a sense of lovability.

Accountability - When we hold children accountable, it gives them a sense of responsibility and self-control.

From Josh McDowell - The Disconnected Generation

 

From A Mother's Heart


Remind me, Lord, in those days of noise and fussin’, to take a deep breath, look my child/ren in the eyes, tell myself that I truly do love them and wouldn’t choose to be without them.

Help me to be a loving - and loved - Mum.

 

e-snippets

G’day to the 35+ ‘sheilas’ from Australia
– spread the word to your friends and other MOPS mums that we’re here for you.
Talking of mums and autumn …

New MOPS theme for next year: The Home Factor.
Meanwhile, this year, the theme is: Fresh Air, John 10:10 [Live life abundantly]

Something you should know – many transcripts of brief programs on many topics. I used to be subscribed to this.

Good Kids Bad Habits - SYSK

http://www.rosieboom.com/ - NZ mum-of-6’s blog

HeART Collage – great fun! Make a book.

Art Sparkers – click on the live links

(these links are not necessarily endorsed by MOPS NZ)

MOPS Links

MOPSNZ website

MOPSNZ weblog - updated

Events – MOPS leaders, please send in your events for Term 2.

MUM's Mail  (from you to me)

Just wanted to let you know that we have made this [Easter Meringues] as an Easter Eve family activity 4 times now and my children now ask to do it. We have also used it as a MOPS creative activity and given the mums a couple to take home along with the recipe. When doing it at MOPS we leave the oven on and cook them for about 40mins so they are ready to take home. We do this as the first activity and follow with teaching time and discussion.   - Jillian Ross, Brisbane, Australia

- - - - - - - - - - -
Have confidence, have faith … and build your family unit!

Yours faithfully,
Johanna W
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2007 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS International.

You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, send a 'MeM subscribe' letter to here.

*letters*, feedback, questions, mother’s tips*, ideas welcome

http://MOPSNZ.bravehost.com
http://mopsnz.bravejournal.com/


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