How We Got Our Blessings

I meant to take some photos of everyone's awesome mugs to share, but I completely spaced, which seems to be happening a lot lately. But I would like to say thank you to Gara and Emily. It was a great craft meeting and I love my mug! I mean Lucy even did the craft, that is saying something! 

I did want to touch on something Bunny said during her mentor moment. With Thanksgiving coming up in a few days it is the time when we think of all our blessings and ways to give back to others. But I don't know if we often acknowledge something that Bunny said, which is how we got our blessings.

I read an article (link below) the other day about this very topic. It talked about explaining to your kids why it is important to give to others by explaining to them ways your family has been given to. I highly recommend reading the article. 

It made me think about ways my family and I have benefited from others giving. Thinking all the way back to my father's family being accepted into this country from Greece through Ellis Island, to myself getting to study in a state of the art sculpture lab because alumni generously donated to UNF. I thought about when my husband lost his job and we were able to make ends meet by collecting unemployment until he found another job. My grandmother overcoming cancer because of advancements in medicine that other people funded by donating to cancer research. Even things like the incredible childhood I had because my parents were selfless and provided the best they could. It really made me realize I have a lot to pay forward and I hope my kids feel the same. 

I challenge you all to think of the ways your family has benefited from others giving. Whether it is government programs funded by the taxes people pay, private donations that have helped your family in one way or another, or just someone with a good heart that has made your life a little better. I bet you can make a pretty long list! 

With a thankful heart,

Jessica 

http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/parenting/2015/10/28/to-teach-children-to-give-tell-them-how-much-your-family-has-been-given/?_r=0&referer=

Be simple. Be sophisticated.

Today's meeting was fantastic! Our speakers were wonderful and the honesty everyone shared is what makes MOPS so special to me. 

I came home and emailed my mother-in-law. I shared the Momastery article with her and thanked her for her masterpiece (don't tell Nick I referred to him as a masterpiece, his head is big enough). I have a hard time with the fact that my family and Nick's family operate very differently. I try to remind myself that it all comes from a loving place, which is what matters the most, but I don't always act in the kindest or in the most sophisticated way. 

The article, which if you haven't read please do yourself a favor and read it now (link below), really hit me. I was a teary eyed mess when I read the last paragraph. I saved this quote in my phone, "Be kinder than necessary, being mindful that the piece of art it took her a lifetime to weave, her masterpiece, she gave to you, to keep you warm at night. One day you’ll give your masterpiece away, too. Be simple. Be sophisticated." 

As a mother of two boys the thought that one day I will have to let them go breaks my heart a little. I will do my best to think of the above quote when I find myself frustrated with my in-laws. 

Momastery link: http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/11/on-weaving-and-repentance-2/

Feeling humbled, 

Jessica 

Time to Get Cooking!

So, as I am procrastinating making dinner why not write this blog post about our cooking meeting. Maybe I will get inspired! 

Monday's meeting was fantastic! Ali did an awesome job and had great handouts with tips, recipes, menu planning, and more. If you didn't make it to the meeting or you didn't take your handouts home, don't fret, you should get an email soon with the handouts attached. I highly recommend reading them!

The meeting started with a great mentor moment from Bunny. She reminded us that our husbands need a "stroke" every now and then. I found her talk to be very fitting for the cooking meeting because as they say, "The way to a man's heart is his stomach." And that couldn't be more true for my Nick. His love language is food and cooking him a meal is definitely a way to show him he is appreciated. 

Since Ali did such a great job with the handouts, I am just going to share a few tips I picked up at the meeting. 

- Publix will cook your fish or shrimp for you! You pick out what fish you want and they will cook it while you finish your shopping. 

- Crockpot liners save you from the dreaded cleanup. 

- Publix will roll their pizza doe out for you! 

- Tuesdays at Fresh Market is $2.99 a pound chicken breast and ground beef

- Let kids help pick out veggies at the grocery store and help cook them so they are more likely to eat them. 

- Start a small garden to get kids interested in eating things from the earth 

- Sharpen your knives often with a 2-stage sharpener 

- Don't over think it! 

There are plenty of nights my kids get breakfast for dinner or Mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and a frozen veg. that I steam and sprinkle some cheese on so they try a bite or two. On those nights I just have to find another way to "stroke" my husband's ego! 😝

I picked the below flyer up from Publix today. I am definitely going to try it out next week! 

Time to get cooking,

Jessica 

This is a gift, not a burden.

Vanessa did such an awesome job at the photography meeting! I was very impressed by her excellent teaching skills. Her handouts were great too! Since she was so thorough, I am just going to share some pictures I took during the meeting and then highlight a few things that Jan said in our always inspirational mentor moment. 

Our awesome photography teacher for the day!

Eager students soaking up the knowledge. 

Everyone learning more about their cameras.

Now,on to my take aways from Jan's mentor moment...

It is always nice to hear that parenting is hard. I know that it is, but sometimes I get stuck on the idea that maybe I am the only one who it is THIS hard for. One of my favorite things Jan said was, "Parenting is hard, you aren't doing anything wrong." This hit me, because I am always thinking, what am I doing wrong? What should I be doing different? Am I not disciplining them enough? Am I disciplining them too much? And the list goes on and on. It is great to be reminded that we are doing the best we can and it will never be perfect because parenting is just HARD. 

Another quote that hit home was, "This is a gift, not a burden." This was my mantra this morning as we were running late trying to get ready for school. My three year old was laying by the toilet screaming and crying because he couldn't decide if he wanted to use the stool to pee or not use the stool. "This is a gift, not a burden. This is a gift, not a burden! This a gift, not a BURDEN!!!"

I wish now I would have gotten my camera out, set my ISO for inside light and snapped that precious moment, but I was too busy trying not to loose my sh*%!

Just trying to hold it all together,

Jessica 

You Are Not Alone In This!

Two of my favorite things about MOPS is the feeling of comradery and the sharing of knowledge. This meeting was big on both! 

As we all know motherhood can be lonely. MOPS saved me from that alone feeling. I found my village and it really flipped my life as a mom upside down. Bunny shared a website with us during her mentor moment today. If you have ever lost your temper while attempting to discipline your child (who hasn't), you should definitely read the blog post linked below. You are not alone in this! We have all let our anger get the best of us and there is no shame in that. See blog here: bit.ly/mops10things 

It was really fun seeing the results of the color test today! It took a group I already feel so connected with and broke it down into smaller groups I can relate to on an even greater level. 

Do you think you match your color?

- nurturing - empathetic - emotional - has a hard time saying no - apologetic - easily experiences rage - needs to feel heard - Blue ladies, for the sake of your children, read the temper article please! ;)

- always moving - energetic - impulsive - risk takers - confident - competitive - life of the party, until they are not! :)

- high expectations - perfectionist - needs structure - organized - loyal - traditional - If your gold friend is stressed out, just take them for a night out to the container store! 

- analytical - problem solvers - logical - purposeful - independent - calm - objective - fear of failing - You ladies are statistically the rarest of breads and I think that is pretty awesome!

We also shared some fun facts and our favorite life hacks with each other. There were some amazing tips shared. Here are a few of my favorites: 

 

- microwave garlic cloves for a few seconds and they will peel themselves 

- use dry shampoo before bed to let it absorbed for clean looking hair the next day

- baby powder takes sand off for easy beach clean up

- use a hanging shoe divider as a weekly clothes organizer for your children

I didn't get to participate in the two truths and a lie game. So, here it is. Can you guess which one is a lie? 

- I have attended 4 Florida Universities

- My husband and I were extras on The Walking Dead, season 1

- I am an award winning sculptor, who has shown work at MOCA Jacksonville 

Thanks for all the sharing everyone did today! It really is what MOPS is all about. As our wise mentor mom, Bunny, said, "You are blessed and you are loved." 

So totally blue and gold,

Jessica

Dear God, thank you for this day and for MOPS!

I was on cloud nine this morning. Not only was it the first day with a little fall crispness in the air but it was the first official day of MOPS!! I am really looking forward to this year. The group is blessed with an abundance of new members, buns in the oven, and love. I am so excited for all the memories and new friendships to be made!

Thank you to the leadership team for an awesome breakfast! 

And Happy Birthday to all our hot summer mamas! 

Finally, a special shout out to these two little troopers who got stung by hornets while playing outside and after a special donut treat went back to nursery. 

Until next time, remember to celebrate lavishly, embrace rest, and notice goodness! 

Fiercely yours,

Jessica 

A Fierce Flourishing

Summer is winding down, kids are going back to school... which means MOPS is just around the corner! Our first meeting of the year is Monday, September 14. All members should have received an email from their group leader by now. You'll be getting some more information soon, particularly if you have a child or children in our nursery.

Our theme for the year is A Fierce Flourishing. The leadership team has been hard at work this summer planning some great meetings, play dates, and girls' nights for you. We are so excited for the year to begin! In the meantime, keep checking the calendar of events (to the right) for our summer activities. We'll see you at our Kick Off Dinner on August 29!