MORE BABIES AT MOMS

Congratulations to Jill, one of our MOMS directors, on the birth of Baby Dallas! Please check out the photos at http://bellababyphotography.com click on "client" and enter "pedersen8019" to view photos - they are so precious!

Some of our new additions this past year are: Baby Elise, Baby Benjamin, Baby Madison (Maddy), Baby Adonia (Addy), Baby Cameron, Baby Noemi, Baby Orlando. We hope to have more pictures to show as well.. send us those pictures moms!! Here are a few that we have collected....

Baby Benjamin

Baby Cameron Baby Orlando

Mentor Rosie with Baby Maddy Baby Noemi

Mommy Alison with Elise & Mommy Rachel with Addy

TAKING PHOTOS LIKE A PROFESSIONAL

At our MOMS' meeting today we had a professional photographer, Todd Pierson, show us how to take photos like a professional! It was so awesome to learn some of the techniques that are used by professionals. As for me lighting and spontaneity was what I was missing!

Todd told us that the five key elements to great photos are:

1. Composition
2. Lighting
3. Background
4. Expression
5. Color

It was a very informative meeting and I trust that everyone left with a least one tip to help them take better photos! Remember kids are best in their natural environment and the pics do not necessarily have to be centered, posed or perfect! Be adventurous and have FUN!!

Check out Todd's website at http://www.piersonkids.com!

Wanted to share this cute video to show how kids can make everything so sweet and precious!

GENERATIONS OF HOUSEHOLD TIPS

April 10, 2008 -- Presentation on Household Tips

Jill will be sharing many household tips along with free samples of laundry detergent, great give-a-ways, and our very own booklet entitled "Generations of Household Tips"

Buckets include the following items:

purple sponge, purple microfibre cleaning cloth, pink rubber gloves, baking soda, spray bottle, paper towels, scrub brush, duster, scouring pad, scented sachet, mesh laundry bag, terry towel rag, and Tide spot remover stick!

Come join us..... April 10 @ 9:15 am - 11:15 -- Room 141 - Calvary Church of Naperville

FUNDRAISER - Community Day - March 1, 2008

Saturday ~ March 1st, 2008
Go shopping to support your MOMS group!
This valuable coupon booklet can be purchased for just $5 each, good toward great merchandise during the special One Day Community Day Sale on March 1st. 100% of booklet sales benefits the MOMS group!

Step 1
Buy valuable coupon booklets for just $5 each, good toward great merchandise at the Carson Pirie Scott stores. Coupon booklets available from either Karen, Jill & Deirdre!

Step 2
Shop the One Day Community Day Sale on March 1st and use your coupons
Step 3
Feel great about helping your community and getting some great deals as well!

IF you can help us sell coupon books at the store, please let us know!!!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

The success of our MOMS group is dependant upon the many volunteers who dedicate their time and gifts to serve moms. All of our volunteers are moms themselves with many demands on their time. WE NEED YOUR HELP!! Please join us by stepping out in faith and helping in the many positions we have available.

Review the leadership list below and advise one of the Directors if you are able to serve in one of these positions.

DIRECTORS

Lead group meetings

Lead leadership meetings

Oversee planning
Staff leadership positions
Lead prayer
(Karen Lee, Deirdre Cooper, Jill Pederson)

Administrative Coordinator

Record minutes of meetings
Prepare and update forms
(registration, attendance)
Prepare contact list
(Joy Myong)

Financial Coordinator

Collect registration fees
Record fees and expenses

Collect offering and any craft or activity fee
Complete reimbursement for expenses
Prepare financial report

(Deirdre Cooper - records kept by Pastor Ben's Assistant)

Hospitality Coordinator

Welcome & greet new members
Send personal note to new moms
Prepare welcome folders for new moms
(Position not filled)

Facilities Coordinator

Set up & clean up for meetings and events
Ensure signs are posted before meeting
Maintain supplies and replace when necessary

(Diane Miller & Diane Hawk)

Craft/Event Coordinator

Plan and organize events

Plan crafts, including set up and prepare sample craft in advance
Purchase materials for craft and keep inventory
(Melissa May & Kim Kolkman)

Fundraising Coordinator

Coordinate fundraising events

Recruit volunteers for events
Schedule events
(Deirdre Cooper - until filled)

Blog/Newsletter Coordinator

Follow up with leader to include info about upcoming events
Design, edit and organize blog
Keep blog current and updated
Canvas moms for ideas and/or applicable information
(Deirdre Cooper)

Childcare Coordinator
Oversee childcare providers
Prepare childcare schedule
Contact with reminder
Communicate with moms regularly concerning child care issues
(Karen Collier - also need someone to organize curriculum)

Mentors
Support and encourage moms
Take prayer requests and pray for needs
Facilitate table talk
Collect registration and forward to financial coordinator
Call to remind moms of upcoming meeting
Develop and nurture your relationship with each mom
(Diane Miller, Diane Hawk, Mary Halfacre, Rebecca Taylor, & Rosie Williams)

Outreach/Service Coordinator
Coordinate meals for new/sick moms
Coordinate support for new/sick moms
Organize and plan community service work
(Alison Tirona & Rebekah Munch)

NEW INITATIVES - SHARING & RESOURCE TABLE

We will be starting a "Sharing Table" and "Resource Table" at our next meeting. If you are able to assist with these initatives in any way please let one of the leaders know! We need your help and support to make this a success!!

THE SHARING TABLE
This will consist of items that you may no longer require and wish to bless other moms with. Some items could include: coupons, diapers or toys that your child has outgrown, lotions, household items, decorative items, etc. Please ensure all items you donate are in good condition.

THE RESOURCE TABLE
This will consist of CDs, books, and DVDs. We presently have all of the Hearts at Home conference CDs from March 2007 - which we recommend that you take advantage of (invaluable information). We have also recently received a donation from John Furth (Kelly's husband) of Kelly's collection of Joyce Meyer CDs. We also plan to add parenting reference books and study guides. If you have any items to donate please let Joy Myong know.

REVISED MOMS' SCHEDULE 2008

MOMS' REVISED SCHEDULE 2008


JANUARY

10 MOMS - 9:15 Topic:Body Imaging Spkr: Jill Pederson

24 MOMS - 9:15 Topic:Power of a Praying Mother Spkr: Marta Gemelli (Moms in Touch)


FEBRUARY

14 MOMS - 9:15 Topic: Redefining Romance by Jill Savage (via prerecorded CD)

28 MOMS - 9:15 Interaction Day


MARCH

13 MOMS - 9:15 Topic:For Women OnlySpkr: A Surprise!

27 MOMS - 9:15 Interaction Day


APRIL

10 MOMS - 9:15 Topic:CPR TrainingSpkr: TBA

24 MOMS - 9:15 Topic:Household Tips with Interaction


MAY

8 MOMS - 9:15 Topic: The School Years*Home Schooling Christian, Public?

22 MOMS - 9:15 Spring Celebration Banquet & Clothing Exchange


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

Hearts at Home National Conference

Once again the Hearts at Home conference is almost here! Many of our moms & leaders have attended for several years and feel so blessed to have such a great resource for moms. We would love to have as many moms attend and the information is outlined below.

Hearts at Home is a stay-at-home mom support group that started with ~10 moms over 10 years ago by Jill Savage and friends in Normal, IL and has grown to 6,000+ women who attend the National Conference held at the Illinois State Uuniversity campus.

This March the conference offers a fun and educational weekend of guest speakers who cover a variety of topics. Examples to promote spiritual and personal growth classes like "Living the Promised Life: Seeing with Eyes of Faith"; "Motherhood: Finding Magic & Joy in Your Journey as a Mom" and tips on strengthening your marriage presented by experts in this area (see website at www.hearts-at-home.org for a complete list of class options.)

Did I mention this weekend conference is great fun? They provide Friday Dinner and Moms Night Out filled with music and laughter. It is truly an amazing experience that you don't want to miss.

When is it? The National Conference dates are March 14 & 15 (Sat. & Sun.)
There will be a MOMS Group caravan leaving Thursday evening and returning Saturday late afternoon.

Where will I stay? 2 big hotel rooms have been booked for MOMS Group at Eastland Suites Hotel in Normal, IL for Thursday and Friday night.

How do I register? Easiest way is to go online www.hearts-at-home.org and look for National Conference. You can also call (309) 828-MOMS

How much will it cost? $210 (estimate)
$125 - The Conference Plus Package includes 2 full days of classes, 2 lunches and Moms Night Out. (If you can only attend Friday or Saturday, the 1-day fee is $80)
$12 - Friday Dinner
$75 - Hotel/Gas

DONATIONS FOR LOCAL PREGNANCY CENTERS

Aurora Pregnancy Information Center accepting the donations from M.O.M.S. (in picture above) www.rupregnant.com

Dear Ladies of Calvary,
I want to express my gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the many young women we serve at the Pregnancy Resource Center in Bolingbrook. The Christmas Boxes you filled and decorated with such loving care went a long way to bless our clients.

We never enjoy having to tell a client that we do not have what she needs. They do all that's necessary to earn their. "Mommy Dollars" for a little "shopping spree." I always feel so badly if we're "out of stock."

Your gifts made a huge difference--at a most important time of year--when we are celebrating the One whose precious name we are serving in!

Thank you for your wonderful contribution--and God bless you as you have blessed!

Sincerely,
Marilynn Cutrano

Marilynn Cutrano, Managing Director Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center 630 739 6684 www.hopeforafuture.com (Clients: www.uhohpregnant.com)
"Children are a gift from God....." Psalm 127:3

WHAT A BLESSING IT WAS to share God's love with the pregnancy centers in Aurora and Bolingbrook. Our moms gave beyond our expectation and we had 26 boxes for each center along with gift cards and packages of diapers. The handwritten note above was received from the Aurora PIC and an email from Bolingbrook PSC. Both centers where so grateful for the donations -- please remember them in your prayers.

The following photos below will show the enjoyment we all received from participating in this outreach ....

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