MOMS' NIGHT OUT - CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

We started the night off with Kate preparing the chocolate fountain! Then as the desserts began to arrive we had more things to dip in chocolate.

There were a total of 19 women and it seemed the kitchen was the place to gather --needless to say, the kitchen got a little crowded!

Once we finished with dessert we all gathered to sing Christmas songs under the direction of Stephanie, who so kindly brought her keyboard to help us sound better - we even had some animal sounds to highlight the singing!! The night was filled with much laughter and the true spirit of Christmas was certainly in the room. Great love and joy was felt by all.

Our ornament exchange was another highlight when we decided we liked the other person's ornament better and kindly retrieved it for ourselves! The ornaments with the biggest bling seemed to be coveted by all. Nilda, Stephanie M. & Jill seemed to be especially partial to the bling!!! Maybe next year....

I thoroughly enjoyed hosting this event and thank each and everyone of you who attended for making it so special. These are memories we will have forever. Bless you all, Deirdre

Enjoy the rest of the photos below......

Kate & Melissa; Jill & Rebekah; Joy & Victoria


Sara Jane & Steph; Rosie & Sandy; Allison & Nilda

Melissa & Jill; Kate, Melissa, Me & Jill; Jessica & Danielle

IN MEMORY OF KELLY FURTH

OUR DEAR FRIEND, KELLY FURTH, WENT TO BE WITH THE LORD ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2007

She was such an inspiration to all of us and we wanted to share these photos and special memories with each of you.

Kelly began as a mentor with the MOMS group in May 2006. Although she was battling cancer she gave of herself as mentor to young moms, as well as a childcare coordinator and financial coordinator. Her positive uplifting personality and her love of God's Word is a great testimony to her faithful walk with the Lord.

She worked effortlessly to connect with each mom and to help wherever there was a need. One of our expectant moms needed help getting the baby's room ready and she painted and donated many items to make that happen. She coordinated and hosted many events including a "Wedding Celebration" at her home and a "Pool Party" for the moms and their children. MOMS was a mission that was close to Kelly's heart and we are so blessed and grateful to our Heavenly Father for placing Kelly in our paths, and we rest in the knowledge that she is with Him this very day! We love you Kelly and will always remember your great love and compassion.

Kelly's favorite scripture was "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Phil. 4:13

Words from Kelly... "I never imagined that I would be touched by so many women in such a short period of time. I do believe that God placed Karen at my table in Bible study for a reason. I was at a low period in my life and needed some support/answers/guidance. Karen was there for me, she had faith in me that I could be a mentor in the MOMS group. It was at this time that God picked me up out of the desert and placed me with such incredible women of faith, and that helped me get to where I am today. I am truly blessed by all the leaders of MOMS group."


Kelly Lynn Furth, nee Warmingham, age 44, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She leaves behind her husband of nine years John J. Furth; two daughters Lauren Isabelle, age eight, and Sydney Michelle, age four; her parents Robert and Miriam Warmingham; and sister Michele (John) DeBoever; dearest friend Frannie Cramton; niece Erin (Nick) Boertman; and great-nephew Austin; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Kelly worked for New York and Co. for 18 years and was an active member in bible study and the MOMS group at Calvary Church in Naperville. Funeral Monday, 1 p.m., in the chapel of Calvary Church, 9 S 200, Rt. 59, Naperville. Visitation Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home, 24021 W. Royal Worlington Dr. (Rt. 59), Naperville, and at the church from 12 noon until time of service. Interment Risen Lord Cemetery, Oswego. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Kelly to the Y-Me Breast Cancer Research organization. 630-922-9630.
http://www.beidelmankunschfh.com/

MOMS' NIGHT OUT - CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Please come and join us on December 7 from 7 pm to 9 pm as we share goodies and an ornament exchange with each other.

We will meet at Deirdre's home and have fun, food & fellowship. Special prizes will be awarded for several categories:

Most Festive Outfit
Mom of the Month
The Best Stocking Stuffer
The Fastest Gift Wrapper

PREGNANCY CENTER OUTREACH

GIFTS FOR BABY JESUS
PIC - OUTREACH

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Christmas is a great time to reach out to the moms in our community that need some extra love and support.

Please decorate a shoe box and fill it with some of the items listed below as a gift to a new mom. Bring the box you filled to our December meeting and we will deliver it to the Bolingbrook and Aurora Pregnancy Centers.

This is a great opportunity to teach your kids what a blessing it is to serve others. Involve them in the shopping, decorating and a conversation about why Jesus asks us to love others in this way.

Diaper Rash Ointment
Baby Tylenol/Motrin
Pacifiers
Teethers
Vaseline
Infant spoons
Baby lotion, wipes, hair & body wash
Baby washcloths, bibs, towels, etc.
Nipples (Avent or Playtex)

Other Fun Ideas:
Picture frame
Bible story book
Photo album
CD (kids music or lullabies)
Encouraging Bible verses or quotes
Any questions, please contact: Rosie or Rebekah

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them." Prov. 3:27

MOMS' SCHEDULE 2007-2008

MOMS' SCHEDULE 2007-2008

SEPTEMBER
13 MOMS-9:15 Topic: Welcome Back & Introduction -Craft
27MOMS - 9:15 Topic:Heart of a Mom - Spkr: Rosie Williams

OCTOBER
11MOMS - 9:15 Topic:Testimonials -"Sharing & Caring"
25MOMS - 9:15Topic: Keeping Your Kids HealthySpkr: Nutritionist

NOVEMBER
8MOMS - 9:15Topic:Wills&Guardians Spkr: Attorney - Bob Tirona

DECEMBER
13MOMS - 9:15Celebration - Birth of Jesus*Craft activity

JANUARY
10MOMS - 9:15Topic:Body Imaging Spkr: TBA
24MOMS - 9:15Topic:Power of a Praying MotherSpkr: TBA

FEBRUARY
14MOMS - 9:15Topic:Romancing Your SpouseSpkr: TBA
28MOMS - 9:15 Interaction Day

MARCH
13MOMS - 9:15Topic:For Women OnlySpkr: A Surprise!
27MOMS - 9:15Topic:Disciplining Your ChildSpkr: TBA

APRIL
10MOMS - 9:15Topic:CPR TrainingSpkr: TBA
24MOMS - 9:15Topic:Household TipsSpkr: TBA

MAY
8MOMS - 9:15Topic:The School Years*Home Schooling Christian, Public?
22MOMS - 9:15 Spring Celebration Banquet & Clothing Exchange

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change - check with your mentor for details

September 13 - MOMS' Kick Off

WOW -- What a great kick off! We had approximately 38 moms and 26 children in attendance for our first meeting of the year.

We have several new mentors this year (Rebecca, Mary & Rosie) and we extend our sincere appreciation to each one of our mentors for making yourself available to our moms! Remember to contact your mentors anytime between meetings for prayer, they are here to support you!

Our first meeting began with an activity where each mom made their own name tag and placed boy/girl charms on the tags to indicate the number of children they have. For those of you who did not get an opportunity to do this we will have a followup session at a later date. Our next meeting which is September 27 will have one of our mentors, Rosie, speak on "The Heart of a Mom". Please join us as we fellowship together and seek Godly wisdom in all we say and do!

THE REAL REASON FOR M.O.M.S.

M.O.M.S.(Mother’s Offering Mutual Support)
May 11, 2006 - May 24, 2007

With the desire and dedication to bring a moms group to Calvary Church, M.O.M.S. held its first meeting on May 11, 2006. God faithfully set everything in motion to ensure that we had all the support we needed to begin such an endeavor. The enthusiasm and support of many moms that stepped into leadership roles made this ministry a reality.

Our mission statement is simple – Celebrate the season of motherhood. Providing support, encouragement and wisdom by partnering with other mothers and mentors. Our foundational scripture is "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 and "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Our first year has been a testament to God’s covering of this ministry and our dependance and surrender to His guidance and wisdom. We truly give God the praise and glory for the success of our inaugural year. We would like to share some of the comments from the moms that were impacted by M.O.M.S.

FROM OUR MOMS......
"I never imagined that I would be touched by so many women in such a short period of time. I do believe that God placed Karen at my table in Bible study for a reason. I was at a low period in my life and needed some support/answers/guidance. Karen was there for me, she had faith in me that I could be a mentor in the MOMS group. It was at this time that God picked me up out of the desert and placed me with such incredible women of faith, and that helped me get to where I am today. I am truly blessed by all the leaders of MOMS group." Kelly

"What M.O.M.S group means to me: A safe place in which to share frustrations, joys, concerns regarding being a wife and mother. Much needed fellowship, without any kids! Most important, the prayer support and encouragement from other mom's in the group. Thank you for the courage to start up this new group. It has meant a lot to me." Heather

So many times, I feel like I fall short. Perfection? I'll settle for competence in just a couple of my varied roles as a woman, wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter. Walking into Room 235 on Thursday mornings. the pressures of life seems to fall away just for a couple of hours. It feels great to walk into a room full of familiar faces knowing that these women, they understand like no one else can. I also love the fact that I come away from every MOMS Group meeting feeling just a little more whole. If my husband, kids, neighbors, customers sees me as a little kinder, a bit wiser and a little more encouraging, it's because I have taken away just a bit of the kindness, wisdom and encouragement from the other Mothers Offering Mutual Support. I very much appreciate that being a part of MOMS Group helps me connect with wonderful women in sometimes unexpected, but always meaningful ways.
Thanks Karen for helping to bring together this amazing group of women who remind me that it's all about connecting to other people. To sit, slow down and listen again, for I still have so much to learn. Much admiration. Joy

The great thing about MOMS is that it is accomplishing what it was supposed to--giving support to Moms! MOMS is really a kind of extended family. Even those that don't know each other will reach out during times of trials or celebrations. It's nice to know that I have people I can count on. Also, being part of the group makes me want to reach out to others more. Whether we are having serious discussion, prayer, or laughing during crafts, I know everyone is there to lift each other up. The best part is that this is just the beginning! Thank you, Karen for starting such a wonderful group. Alison

MAY 24 - MOMS CELEBRATION BANQUET

Thursday, May 24 we celebrated our one year anniversary together with a clothing exchange and thank you ceremony for our leaders and childcare workers. What an awesome breakfast buffet we had which was catered by Tasha from Calvary's very own Food Service Ministry! We were served Egg Strata, Hashbrown casserole, Praline french toast, fresh fruit, mini bagels with cream cheese, coffee, juice and water. To top it off we had a 7 layer chocolate cake for dessert.

It was such a special day and we had racks and racks of clothing to choose from. Thank you so much to all of you who made this year a great success! TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!!

Conference Worshop CDs for Moms

I am posting the information for the CDs that we have available from the Hearts at Home Conference. You can sign them out at our meetings. For the summer months I will keep them at home so that you can have access to them. Feel free to sign several of them out over the summer --

Hearts at Home Conference Workshops 2007
CD # -----Topic Title ------------Speaker
A -----Introduction: General ------Jill Savage
B -----Introduction: General -------Lisa Whelchel
101 --- De-stressing without Distress -------Julie Baker
102 ---Making Time For God ----------Julie Baker
103 ---Going Deeper Still ----------Julie Ann Barnhill
104 ---One Tough Mother ---------Julie Ann Barnhill
105 ---Keep the Siblings, Lose the Rivalry ---------Dr. Todd Cartmell
106 ---Raising Respectful Kids ---------Dr. Todd Cartmell
107 ---Lean, Healthy Moms - Strong, Healthy Kids ----------Danna Demetre
108 ---The Balancing Act ------Danna Demetre
109 ---The Heat is On: an unexpected opportunity to be a Mom - AGAIN! -----Danna Demetre
110 ---Finding JOY! in Motherhood ---------Jenn Doucette
111 ---Velveteen Mommies --------Jenn Doucette
112 ---A Life That Says, "Welcome": Simple Ways to Open your Heart and Home to Others -------Karen Ehman
113 ---The Bylaws of In-Laws and Outlaws ----------Karen Ehman
114 ---Establishing Your Children In the Word ----------Cheryl Eliason
115 ---Winning the Chore War ---------Cheryl Eliason
116 ---The Mom I Want to Be --------Suzie Eller
117 ---Why Doesn’t My Teen Talk to Me? ----------Suzie Eller
118 ---Leaving the Legacy ----------Sue Heimer
119 ---When Teens Rebel ---------Sue Heimer
120 --How to Talk and Listen to Your Child or Teen -----Donna Jones
121 ---Taming Your Family Zoo ----------Donna Jones
122 ---Christian MySpace Alternatives ----------Connie Neal
123 ---The MySpace Dilemma: Making Confident Decisions about Social Networking----- Connie Neal
124 ---Ages and Stages of Early Development ---------Brenda Nixon
125 ---Understanding Your Child’s Temperament ----------Brenda Nixon
126 ---Connecting Women ---------Janee Penfield
127 ---Your Closet: Friend or Foe? -----------Janee Penfield
128 ---Heaven at Home -----------Ginger Plowman
129 ---What Lies Beneath: Getting to the Heart of Anger in Children ----Ginger Plowman
130 ---Making the Most of Your Moms Group: Leadership Principles -----Jill Savage
131 ---Redefining Romance ---------Jill Savage
132 ---Building Self Esteem in Your Child ----------Dr. Julianna Slattery
133 ---No More Headaches! Renewing Intimacy in Your Marriage------ Dr. Julianna Slattery
134 ---Power of a Purpose Driven Mom --------Renee Swope
135 ---Speak Lord, I’m Listening --------Renee Swope
136 ---Creative Correction ---------Lisa Whelchel

MAY 10TH - MOMS' MEETING

Kelly overlooking a craft project...

Another fantastic time of fellowship and sharing. We had once again an amazing array of breakfast items just when you think it is at its best it gets even better. Thank you so much to all of you who bless us with your culinary talents, it is greatly appreciated.

Kelly was our speaker this week and I should have brought along boxes of Kleenex to share for there were plenty of wet eyes and sniffling going on! What a powerful message of God's faithfulness and the miracles God performed in her life. For those who could not make it, Kelly has battled cancer having been first diagnosed in 2000 after having her first child. She had breast cancer which was treated and in 2004 she had a reaccurance of cancer found in several areas liver, bone and then her brain. We are believing for a cancer free body!! Praise God. Thank you Kelly for sharing your story with us, as difficult as it may have been, it truly touched each and everyone of us.

Our last meeting of the year is May 24th which will be coupled with a mom's clothing exchange and a celebration of our first year in this ministry. Special thanks to all of you moms who have worked so hard to make this group successful by sharing your lives and hearts with all our moms.

MOMS' NIGHT OUT - WEDDING CELEBRATION

Kelly hosted this Moms' Night out and what a fun night it was........taking a step back in time and remembering this special time in our life was awesome -- the brides looked amazing (and, of course, still do)! Once we all had our plates full with delicious deserts, we began with the wedding videos, then proceeded to the wedding albums.....WOW.... the gorgeous dresses and handsome grooms. We then played Wedding Jeopardy divided into 4 categories: Ceremony, Bridal Shower, Reception and Honeymoon. We split into 2 groups and the winning team picked the person for final jeopardy. Alison won the prize. A big box of 3M goodies. We played more games, then began the storytelling of how each bride met their husband, and how we all got engaged. The evening ended at 11:35 p.m. You know how girls like to talk....... Enjoy the pictures!

PAINTING BABY BENJAMIN'S BEDROOM

PAINTING AT DANIELLE'S

We had a great painting day for baby Benjamin. Thank you to our painting moms who helped Danielle get the room ready for baby to be! We had a great day and a wonderful lunch together. Sandy and Danielle even got an opportunity to assemble the baby stroller. It was a great time getting to know each other better and putting our talents to a great cause. We will post finished pictures when the room is completed! Kelly looked so sporty in her blue hat and hopefully will not be too sore tomorrow from all the rolling! Maybe this would be a good time for a massage.

MAY 3 - STROLLER STRIDE EVENT

MOMS AT STROLLER STRIDE

We had a great time at our first Stroller Strides event at Phillips Park Thursday morning. Five of our moms attended; Melissa, Jill, Kim, Rosalind and Priscilla. We also had our instructor Jenny and a Stroller Strides mom Ashley. We started off with stretching at the Sunken Garden then did our cardio work in the garden and throughout the zoo. We also used resistance bands and learned a variety of exercises to strengthen our arms and build muscle. Afterwards the kids played at the playground and fed the ducks in the pond. According to Jill's heart monitor we did 50 minutes of exercise and burned 240 calories....which we all decided we could "spend" on an extra brownie later that day!! (Just kidding...that would defeat the purpose right!) All in all it was a great time with beautiful weather and a good workout. Enjoy the pictures! Thank you Melissa for organizing this event and providing us with the synopsis of the days events for those of you who could not attend!

MOMS' NIGHT OUT - SCHEDULE

In an attempt to celebrate the season of motherhood and foster relationships with other moms we have planned a Mom's Night Out for you. Please plan to attend one of our scheduled nights out:

• FRIDAY, MAY 4TH - Wedding Celebration - hosted by Kelly
• FRIDAY, JUNE 1ST - Sleepover & PJ Party - hosted by Sandy

APRIL 26 - MOMS MEETING

Glad you joined us for our meeting on Thursday, April 26th. We had several new moms, Camille and Olivia, we are so happy you joined us. Once again, it was a breakfast table filled with all kinds of delights -- we have such great cooks among us!! We will have to put together a M.O.M.S. recipe book so that we can share all these great recipes. Anyone interest -- leave a comment a let me know!!

Shellie provided a creative activity -- Mother's Day cards! They were beautiful and the stamping was simple and easy to follow. Hopefully we will make more of these great cards in the future. I think we should put together a card workshop and make thank you, birthday, thinking of you cards, etc. We always need these on hand!

We only have two meeting left before the end of our first year together! At the May 10th meeting we will have Kelly speaking and sharing her testimony and on May 24 we will be having our first Mom's Clothing Exchange and Year-end Celebration! Please come and help us thank our many volunteers that contribute their time and heart to make this M.O.M.S. group a blessing to all.

Until next meeting, remember to celebrate the season of motherhood!

MOMS' NIGHT OUT - CHOCOLATE FONDUE

THIS WAS OUR MOMS' NIGHT OUT!!

Karen hosted a chocolate fondue party which, as pictured above, was a great success! We had so much fun playing a get-to-know-you game and found out some fascinating facts about each and everyone there! What was the one make up item that most women said they could not do without "lipstick and eye liner" where a close tie!

Some of our favorite items to dip in the chocloate where pretzels, strawberries & chocolate brownies! Prizes where awarded to Danielle and Kim for having the most correct answers to our "Who Said It" game. It may have been a late night but we where feeling the effects of the chocolate and probably could have stayed up all night!! Wait until the sleepover in June we will have to ensure a large supply of chocolate is on hand! Sandy hint, hint!! Looking forward to the next Moms Night Out!!

UPCOMING MEETING PLANS

APRIL 12

• Joy will share her Hearts at Home experience
• Baby Communication video
• Table talk & prayer time

APRIL 26

• Devotional by Melissa
• Craft by Melissa & Shellie - Mother's Day Cards
• Table talk & prayer time

MAY 10

• Speaker: Kelly - Testimony
• Table talk & prayer time

MAY 24

• Mom's Clothing Exchange
• Year-end Celebration and Banquet
  
  

MARCH 22 - MEETING

Another great meeting with a delicious breakfast buffet -- thanks again moms!! Karen shared some ideas from the Hearts at Home conference which was attended by many of our moms. The entire CD collection was brought back to be shared with each mom and we will have a sign out sheet available for the next meeting. Some of the topics from the classes are "Keep the siblings, Lose the Rivalry"; "De-stressing without Distress"; "When Teens Rebel"; and many many more - 36 topics in total! What a resource this will be -- thanks to Hearts at Home and their dedication to educating moms.

We participated in an icebreaking activity and found some things we had in common with other moms -- it was awesome to see that no matter the age we all found things in common!

We completed an individualized "First Aid Kit" under the direction of our craft coordinator! We used pencil boxes and filled them with everything a mom may need for those little emergencies. Melissa even gave us ideas to use these boxes as well for travel kits, restaurant kits, etc. You can fill them with crayons and coloring pages to take to a restaurant or when travelling in the car - use your imagination and customize them for your own child(ren)!

MARCH 8 - MEETING

Meeting highlights: Wow - what a breakfast buffet! Thank you to everyone who contributed we had a delicious blueberry bake, several hot breakfast casseroles, fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, etc.

We welcomed new moms, Danielle, Sandy and Suzanna!! We hope you enjoyed your first time with us and we will look forward to seeing you again.

Karen reviewed the survey results and it was decided that we will continue meeting on every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month at Calvary - this appears to be the location of choice, childcare will remain in the usual location. We will not be collecting childcare fees any longer and will instead have a basket at each table for an offering/donation to help with childcare expenses. Registration has been reduced to $25.00 per term. Karen reiterated that we do not want any moms to feel obligated to pay if this puts financial stress on your family budget. We are believing in faith that God will meet our needs in this area!

For the summer we will have a "Big Girls" Pajama Party in June for moms only, a "Pool Party" in July for moms & kids, and a "Family Campfire" in August for the entire family. Details will be provided when arrangements have been finalized.

After our survey discussion, we participated in an "ice-breaking activity" called "speed dating"! It was a lot of fun and we all enjoyed getting to know each other a little better. We have amazing moms at our group so please take the time to get to know each and everyone! Ask more direct questions like "what did you do this week?" instead of the customary "who are you?" it will open the dialogue to more authenticity!

Next meeting we will be participating in a craft activity with our very own "Melissa"! See you all next meeting --- and remember to enjoy this wonderful season of motherhood!

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

We are coming up to our one year anniversary of M.O.M.S. and feel so blessed to have meet so many great moms in the area. We want to thank each of you for supporting and helping us as we grow together in this group.

We will be meeting with the leaders on Monday, March 5 to discuss the survey results and the direction of the group. Your heartfelt input is greatly appreciated and we want to make this group as accessbile and productive for each of you.