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family festivities at 5280
Mom-approved holiday fun around Denver
by Kari Hansen From Santas train to a downtown parade, from firefly glow to red barn light show, our family-friendly city is teeming with holiday activities. But with so many choices, how do you choose which Santa to visit or light display to view? You take the tried-and-true advice of your fellow MOPS mothers, of course! MOPS members share the low-down on their favorite Christmas festivities around the mile-high metro area. Holiday Shopping Alaina Schupbach raves about the lovely handmade gifts available at the Foothills Art Center in Golden. She makes an annual shopping pilgrimage with her mom and sister. Afterwards, they enjoy delicious southwestern food and holiday treats at the nearby Table Mountain Inn. Foothills Art Center hosts a holiday market from Nov. 19-Dec. 30, Mon-Sat 10a5p, Sun 11a-5p. Kari Hansen rounds up the gift list at her favorite holiday arts and crafts show, Holiday Handmade. The show, organized by Fancy

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Tiger craft store, is notable for its unique modern crafts made by local urbanites. You can find the kind of hip items you would see online at Etsy, says Kari. Holiday Handmade, Dec. 2 at 5-10p, Dec. 3 at 10a-4p, Sherman Street Events Center. Performing Arts Attending a performance of the Nutcracker is a family tradition for both Leslie Doyle and Alaina Schupbach. Whether enjoying a show at by the Colorado Ballet at the Performing Arts Center or a local production such as the Boulder Ballet at CUs Macky Auditorium, the Nutcracker is the epitome of holiday elegance for these fans. The Nutcracker is performed at multiple locations by a number of dance companies; see www.nutcrackerballet.net for info. First attending Rocky Mountain Christmas Revels in Boulder about nine years ago when a good friend was in the cast, Kari Hansen and her husband have gone almost every year since. It has become a family tradition, since they now take their little ones as well. We enjoy the cross-cultural and traditional music, dancing and costumes. In an age when slick productions are the norm, we find the lowtech, old-fashioned sensibility of Revels to be refreshing and enjoyable, Kari says. This family-oriented show is fun for all ages, complete with audience participation and good- natured humor. Kari goes on the explain, We make it a day out in Boulder, strolling and browsing down Pearl Street and having lunch at the Cheesecake Factory before attending a matinee showing of Revels. Rocky Mountain Christmas Revels, Dec. 10, 17 at 2p and 7p, Boulder Theater. Light Displays Several moms recommended Denver Zoo Lights, including Rachel Nylin and Damara Mitchell. Heather Travis takes her family to the zoo as well, advising attendees to dress very warmly for the chilly Colorado evenings.
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in this issue
santa sightings holiday twinkle spreading the joy of christ at christmas holiday spending 101 note from our coordinator mentor mom wisdom cubs corner recipes momsense study guide clubs, groups & events calendar 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 11 12

Santa Sightings
Santas making his list and checking it twicebetter make sure you are on it! Where will you head this year to see Santa? Check the list below for spots Santa has been sighted this season. Breakfast with Santa at Downtown Aquarium Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17-24. Seating begins at 8:30a. Join Sharkey and Santa for a breakfast buffet. Adults $16.99, kids ages 3-12 $10.99. Half-price exhibit pass with each breakfast, free parking. Breakfast with Santa at Wildlife Experience Dec. 10, 17, 23, 24 at 9a. Enjoy a yummy breakfast, spend some time with Santa and make a festive craft to take home. Be sure to bring your camera. Adults $18, children $12. St. Nick on the Bricks, Downtown Boulder Saturdays Nov. 26-Dec. 17, at 11a-2p. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center (13th and Pearl streets). Bring your own camera for photos. FREE. Santa on Larimer Square Saturdays 10a-7p, Sundays 11a-5p through Dec. 24. Come see Santa and Mrs. Claus on Larimer Square in the Walkway. Children will have the opportunity to tell Santa their holiday wishes atop his magical throne while parents snap their own pictures. FREE. Santa Special Express at Colorado Railroad Museum Dec. 3, 10, 11, 17, at 10a-4p. Santa has replaced his sleigh and reindeer with a locomotive! Share your wish list with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sip hot chocolate and enjoy the museum exhibits. The train departs every 30 minutes. Adults $12, children $5. Snack with Santa at Childrens Museum of Denver Dec. 3 at 10a-1p. A perfect event to get pictures for your holiday cards and ornaments in a quiet, safe setting; shoot your own pictures. Kids can enjoy a hot cocoa bar and get a bag of goodies to take home. Free with regular museum admission. Santas Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops In stores through Dec. 24; check website for hours. A free 4x6 photo is included with your visit with Santa; photo packages available. Free crafts, games and activities abound. If the line for Santa is long, grab a Bass Pass and return at your appointed time. FREE. Skate with Santa Dec 11, 18 at 3:30-5:30p. Edge Ice Arena, Littleton. Enjoy an afternoon of ice skating, then get out your cameras for a unique opportunity for children to have their photos taken with Santa on a Zamboni. Free with ice skating admission: $3-7, $3 skate rental. Santa Does the Mall Do your shopping and make a stop to see the big elf himself. Malls offer a visit with Santa and various photo packages. Malls with St. Nick visits this season include Southwest Plaza, Colorado Mills, Cherry Creek Mall, and Flatirons Crossing. Check mall websites for hours, location and more info.

Damara also likes Parade of Lights in downtown Denver. Alaina Schupbach does too, telling us that Parade of Lights is always cool, but avoid taking the light rail as it is crazy busy that night. See sidebar on page 3 for info about Denver Zoo Lights and Parade of Lights. Santa Visits When it comes to Santa, Michelle Gebers thinks the best big guy is at Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show at Denver Merchandise Mart. She has been taking her son to see him since in utero and enjoys comparing the photos of how Andrew has changed year after year in comparison to that steady St. Nick. Santa feels more real to Andrew when he sees the same fellow every year, explains Michelle. Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show, Nov. 4-6, Denver Merchandise Mart. However, Damara Mitchell disagrees, claiming that the best place to see Santa is Bass Pro Shops. In addition to visits with the jolly old elf, there are a multitude of free activities to keep the kids busy. Children can do crafts, decorate cookies, gaze at the fish tanks, pitch foam snowballs, practice target shooting and rev around for car races. Monica Holck is also a fan of Bass Pro and its kids activities, saying Kids can write a letter to Santa, watch an old Christmas movie, and play with toys set out just for them! Kids also get a free 4x6 photo of their time with Santa, with photo packages available for purchase. Heather Travis agrees, saying It's a great, festive place to be this time of year. Heather recommends you pick up a Bass Pass when you arrive, since the wait can be an hour or more otherwise. The Bass Pass allows you to return at a designated time to visit Santa rather than stand in line. While the kids are playing, parents can shop at the store, a good place to pick up
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December 2011

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holiday twinkle
Take the kids to enjoy the twinkle and spark of Christmas lights at one of the many special displays around the Denver metro area. Dress warmly, and dont forget a thermos of hot chocolate! Blossoms of Light Denver Botanic Gardens. Dec. 2-Jan. 1 at 5:30-9:30p. Over one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs highlight the Gardens winter beauty. Romantic kissing spots will return, as well as the always anticipated HoloSpex glasses. Adults $9.50, ages 3-12 $6.50, free age 2 and under. Denver Zoo Lights Dec. 9-Jan. 1 at 5-9p. Experience a holiday light safari with more than 38 acres of lights with animated animal sculptures that jump across lawns, swing through trees and appear where they are least expected. Adults $9, age 3-11 $5, free age 2 and under. Downtown Denver Lights Nightly through January. Nearly 600,000 lights will illuminate downtown Denver from Union Station and Larimer Square to 16th Street Mall. About 585 LED light fixtures and more than 2,000 feet of LED rope lights will adorn the Civic Center displays that mark 85 years since the first lights were turned on at the City and County building in 1926. FREE. Living Lights at Butterfly Pavilion Dec. 10-23 at 5:30-9p. Experience indoor and outdoor light displays, live animals, fireflies in the conservatory, fire dancing demos, and ice sculptures as well as regular butterfly displays. Adults $9, children $6, under age 1 free. Parade of Lights Dec. 2 at 8p, Dec. 3 at 6p. Kick off your Christmas season with this family-friendly parade through downtown Denver where everything from floats to fire trucks and flutes are decked out in lights. FREE. Trail of Lights Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. Dec. 2Jan. 1 at 5:30-9:30p. More than one million twinkling lights illuminate a winding path through the Colorado countryside, complete with red barn, silo, an 1880s homestead and childrens village play area. Adults $9.50, ages 3-12 $6.50, free age 2 and under. Winter Wonderlights at Wildlife Experience Dec. 9-23 at 5:30-8:30p. Families are welcomed to a variety of holiday favorites including an outdoor trail of lights, snowy villas where children can visit with Santa, and even live reindeer. Adults $9, ages 3-12 $6, free 2 and under. Shawna Ervin

some unusual gifts, says Damara. Santas Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops is open through Dec. 24. See website for hours and more details. Outdoor Fun We go ice skating as a whole family group every Christmas, says Monica Holck. She recommends the Belmar rink for outdoor skating, which has a two-for-one special on Tuesday evenings (pick up a voucher at the Belmar information center). Belmar will also host Skate with Santa from 1-3p on the first three Saturdays in December. For indoor spins on the ice, she likes the rink in Joy Burns Arena at Denver University. DU has great walkers for little ones just learning how to skate, Monica reports. The Rink at Belmar is open daily from Nov. 17 -Jan. 3 and weekends from Jan.5-Feb. 26. Public skate times available most days at Joy Burns Arena on the DU campus. When it comes to buying fir, Rachael Nylin patronizes Luckylure Christmas Trees in Evergreen, where you can pick out a fresh local tree in a scenic creek-side setting. Kids will love the complimentary refreshments and coloring books, crackling fireplace and potential for wildlife sightings. Nearby attractions include ice skating, reindeer and buffalo herds, hiking in a national forest, and old downtown Evergreen. Luckylure Christmas Trees is open Nov. 25-Dec. 18, Mon-Thurs 12-8p, Fri-Sun 9a-9p.
Kari Hansen, our MOPS newsletter editor and publicity coordinator, has been attending MOPS for three years. A former retail manager and magazine editor, she now works from home as a freelance artist and writer for the craft industry.

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Spreading the joy of Christ at Christmas

by April Goodwin With Christmas in the air, it can be difficult to avoid the pressure of advertising that surrounds gift-giving and keep the holiday family-centric. It can also be a challenge to navigate the growing political environment around Christmas -- the trend toward saying happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas or winter break instead of Christmas vacation.

special offer for MOPS members from

the little card company

littlecardcompany.com christian christmas & photo cards

$10 off purchase of 50 cards or more

shop online through 12.31.11 using discount code MCMOPS10 at checkout plus free shipping on orders placed before Dec 9 (at 11:59p pst)
in the mailbox. Pray that the Christmas message would reach your recipients in a fresh, new way this year. Sign up to volunteer as a family to give the example that caring for those less fortunate than oneself is of utmost importance. Entertain friends and neighbors, Christians and nonChristians alike. Pray before your meals together and invite them to attend church with you on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. There are so many ways you can share the JOY of Christ this Christmas. Get creative on how it can be expressed in your family, in your own way. Wishing you a blessed and very Merry Christmas!
--April Goodwin is co-founder of The Little Card Company, a custom Christian photo card company run by three former MOPS moms. www.littlecardcompany.com

With these trends steadily growing, I feel its imperative to pull the other way--to take actions that help remind us that Christmas is ALL ABOUT CHRIST and the JOY that comes through salvation in Him. Christmas should be a season of joyful anticipation, peaceful interactions, and also of powerful witnessing. So how can you ensure that Christ stays at the center this Christmas and that you help to spread the JOY that stems from your belief in Jesus? Here are a few ideas: Show your children the importance your family places on Jesus role in the season by bringing out your manger first when it is time to put up your holiday decorations. Talk about the Christmas story (or pull out your Bible and read it) as you set up the scene together. Send out Christmas cards that have a CHRISTmas message. If your kids are old enough, let them address and/or stamp some of the cards. Pray over the cards before you drop them

Special Thanks!
We would like to acknowledge and express our gratitude to the following companies that generously donated to our December meetings: Ateco USA sent the decorating tools used for our cakedecorating craft. Check out Ateco USA for quality cakedecorating tools and baking products. Jason's Deli (204 Union Blvd, Lakewood) donated a large portion of the food for our Christmas Brunch. Drop by the restaurant for delicious, fresh sandwiches, salads and soups. Masterpiece Cakeshop (2 Lakewood locations) provided the yummy cake for our Christmas brunch. Contact Jack at M a ste rp ie c e C a ke sh o p for you n ex t pa rt y!

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Holiday spending 101

by Brandi Sciacca Sparkling lights, festive decorations and yummy holiday bakingits easy to get swept up in the Christmas spirit. Our wallets can get caught up in the holiday mindset too, causing us to make exceptions to our regular money habits that we may regret after the tree is packed up. But with a little planning and some simple but savvy spending strategies, your budget can survive the season. Following are six smart steps to make this holiday season memorable without breaking the bank: 1. Create a gift list. Make a list of all the people you will be giving a gift to this year. Be sure to include family, friends, and any parties you will be attending. 2. Establish a budget. Determine a total amount of money that you can afford to spend on gifts this holiday season, and then allocate a portion of those funds to each individual on your list. Banish the thought that how much you spend is a reflection of who you are or how much you love the recipient. Often a simple card with a picture of your family is more than enough.

and brick-and-mortar shops for the best price in advance. Many online retailers offer free shipping, and with coupon codes, you may find a better price than in stores. If using online stores, to take advantage of sites that pay you to use them such as ebates.com. 5. Pay with cash. To reduce the chances of overspending and help stick to the gift-giving plan, fund your holiday shopping with cash in the amount of your designated budget. 6. Charge sparingly. Use two credit cards at most, preferably ones with low to zero-percent interest rates. If using credit cards to earn points, keep track of the charges so you can account for the expenses prior to receiving a bill. By following this smart spending strategy, you will still have some snowy-day funds left after the lights have been boxed and the tinsel tossed. Enjoy Christmas morning and that last sugar cookie, content in the knowledge that you were a wise elf with your holiday spending this year!
Brandie Sciacca, our unflappable Finance Coordinator, worked in the financial services industry for 10 years prior to the birth of her daughter. This is her second year in MOPS.

Creative Christmas Savings Budget-consciousness can still equal gift-giving fabulousness if you think outside the box for creative solutions to saving those hard-earned funds.

Create certificates for your kids, husband, friends, and

other family, such as Redeem for your favorite homemade chocolate cake or One free evening of babysitting or Good for one Mom & Daughter date, on your computer, print out and tuck into holiday cards. buying supplies in bulk for homemade scone mix or using quantity discounts for photo notecards or calendars from printing sites.

Make or buy gifts in multiples for better pricing, such as

Get on board the regifting trend and pass on a new but

3. Think creatively. When choosing gifts, remember that for most people, a small but thoughtful personal present is more meaningful than a big, generic, expensive one. Often the most memorable gifts are the ones that seem the simplest. And handmade presents are a wonderful option for heartfelt gifts that are also affordable. See sidebar at right for some creative gift-giving solutions. 4. Shop with a plan. With your budget in mind, decide what you want to buy for each gift recipient before heading out to the stores. Comparison shop among catalogs, online stores, unneeded item to a new home.

Start a name-exchange tradition with the adults in your

family, with each person buying only one larger gift for the name they receive rather than gifts for everyone. Take the exchange a step-further by declaring it regift only for all participants. Living Social for a service or restaurant you know the recipient will enjoy. Kari Hansen

Buy a discount deal voucher from sites like Groupon or

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2011 12 MOPS Momsense theme verse:

God doesnt want us to be shy with our gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
2 Timothy 1:7 (The Message)
We have been given the gift of being the mother to the child or children God wanted us to have. God knew when He was crafting this child in the womb that you were the perfect mother for this child. No one else can advocate for your child like you can, no one else can teach them what you can, and no one loves them in the way you can. Be bold in your parenting! Stand firm for what you believe. We all feel uninspired at times, but please remember that you are shaping the life of this child, who in turn will be impacting the lives of those around them. Be open to improvement as a parent by gaining advice from mothers around you, reading, listening, and most importantly, praying for guidance as you navigate through these challenging, but wonderful years of parenting. Go forth and mother boldly!

a note from our coordinator

Mothering Boldly
In the November newsletter, Leslie wrote about spiritual gifts. I hope you know what your gifts are or are searching to find those special gifts the Lord has given you. Once we understand what gifts we have specifically been blessed with, scripture tells us that we need to be BOLD with them. The dictionary defines the word bold as fearless and daring. On reading that, some of you may be are thinking something along the lines of, "Awesome! I already got this down pat! I have the gift of caring, so I make meals for at least 2 families every week, I work in the nursery every other week rocking the babies, and I volunteer at the nursing home every day during the week..." Well, good for you! But others who may not have such an outgoing spirit might be sweating and hyperventilating at the mere thought of putting oneself out there and what being bold may entail. But don't panic! There is one gift all of us been given with which we can be naturally bold: mothering. What makes a bold mother? Is it raising your kids with higher moral standards than their friends at school? Is it sitting outside your childs door for an hour while they throw the fit of their lives because you wouldnt give in on discipline? Standing up to the school district to demand your special-needs child is put into certain programs? Reading Bible stories and praying with your child? Questioning a doctor's assessment about your child, then getting a second opinion and finding out that the first doctor was wrong? Taking your potty-training toddler to use a porta-potty at the park rather than resorting to a diaper? Yep, all of these make you a bold mother!

Lynette Huntley
MOPS Coordinator

birthdays
October
5 Shawna Ervin 6 Erika Kappel 16 Rachel Maynard 27 Marlane Antonson 30 Sarah Napton-Cleary 24 Sylvia Copps 24 Michelle Gershon 26 Alejandra Cerda 30 Jennifer Fogg

December
3 6 Jamie Reed Jerrianne West

November
1 Brandie Sciacca 10 Angie Hintz 17 Rebecca Miles 23 Lindsay Damron

18 Lynette Huntley 22 Christine Pence 30 Kari Hansen 31 Ariahn Knoedler

mOPS musings

Bear Valley MOPS Newsletter

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December 2011

page 6

mentor mom wisdom

Meaningful Family Traditions

by Carolyn Braughman The Christmas season is a wonderful time for families to grow together. It is also a perfect opportunity to teach children about the miracle of our Saviors birth. One of my familys favorite Christmas traditions for many years was our Advent log, a sixfoot long yule log on our fireplace mantle drilled with 28 holes in a row. A candle for every day of Advent was placed in each

Discuss and carry out ways your family can help those less fortunate Read The Legend of the Candy Cane poem or story and discuss the story while enjoying a candy cane Play Christmas carols or other choruses that praise the Lord Go Christmas caroling with your family and friends Make Christmas cookies cut into symbolic Christmas shapes, such as a star, angel, shepherd, camel, king, baby and cross Plan a visit to a sick or lonely person Bake and decorate a birthday cake, then have a small party with dinner and sing Happy Birthday, Jesus I hope these suggestions will inspire you to develop your own family traditions that are as memorable to you as the Advent log has been to my family. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
Carolyn Baughman, a MOPS Mentor Mom for eight year, is a retired public school speech pathologist. She and her husband Gary have two married children and a four-year old grandson.

hole in the log, a twist on the traditional Advent wreath which displays one candle for each week of Advent. Our Advent celebration would begin with a single taper, but the candlepower would increase steadily each day until December 25, providing tangible symbolism of Advent. The growing illumination represents the anticipation of the birth of the Light of the World. The Advent log also prompted us to be diligent with our family devotions, which we read every night along with lighting a candle. If we didnt light every candle in the proper sequence, the pyramid pattern created as the candles burned was visibly altered, and was everyone noticed. Besides, no one wanted to miss their turn as candle-lighter and candle-snuffer! Here are some other ideas for family Christmas activities that promote the true meaning of the holiday: Read an Advent story book together, accompanied by opening each door of an Advent calendar Line your sidewalk or driveway with festive luminaries Create a blessing container, to be filled with notes from each family member about ways God has blessed you Shop together for a toy to give away to a ministry such as the Angel Tree Program, or for items to fill a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child

2011 Moppets Workers

This holiday season, let our kids teachers know how much we appreciate their care of our precious little ones! One Year Olds (Room 108) Heather Augenstein Barbara Brunnick Phyllis Schroeder Two Year Olds (Room 101) Lydia Hart (teen) Katrina Lemley (teen) Rod Riley Tammy Riley Jenny Sulser Christopher Wilburn Three Year Olds ( Room 106) Karen Buschman Janice Skrobot Shannan Stephens Four & Five Year Olds (Room 105) Lauren Pott Kaitlynn Pott Infants (Room 109) Laura Bennett Peggy DeBruyne Tiffany Dunmire Priscilla Duty Peggy Ruybal Home school (Room 104) Tammy Bundschuh Patti Peters

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cubs corner

Christmas Cookie Confections

by Kari Hansen Commission your home an official "Christmas Confection Factory" and get the holiday spirit revved up on sugar and good cheer! Create both cookies and quality time with your children with the time-honored tradition of holiday baking. Whether you bake cookies to eat or gingerbread houses for decoration, the kids will be so proud of their creations! Get started with an easy holiday house made from rice-cereal treats and encrusted with festive candy and sprinkles. While a traditional gingerbread house is a bit beyond most preschoolers, these no-bake houses are just right for this age group. Purchase a Kelloggs Rice Krispy holiday house kit, which comes with a reusable house-shaped pan, from a local craft store (also available online). While the kit comes with decorative candy, cereal and marshmallows, once those are gone the pan can be used year after year with your own supplies. Finished house is about 8x5" in diameter and 1.5 high. Houses can also be made without a pan. Press warm rice-cereal treats to form a flat sheet. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut out a house shape, either by freehand or using a cardboard template. Make the cereal house structures in advance or as a two-part project so they have time to cool before kids get set to decorate. Then collect your candy embellishments, unwrap individual pieces as needed, and set out in small bowls on a tray. Prepare a big batch of royal icing or frosting (this will be the glue that holds the candy in place on the house) and place in fine-tipped pastry bags or squeeze bottles. Although the houses are edible (best within a day), they can also be used exclusively for holiday decorations. You can make single or multiple houses with your own kids, but this idea also lends itself well to a playgroup project. Provide icing, decorative candies and sprinkles, along with ricecereal-treat houses you have made in advance. Encourage attendees to bring additional candy to share. You might want to start your party with gingerbread-house themed storytime and end it with a potluck lunch and playtime. Here are additional activities to do with your petite pastry chefs during the holidays:

older kids for a class on their own, at a family-oriented establishment such as the Makery or Young Chefs Academy.

Bake and decorate cookies as a family. For recipes and in-

spiration, check out a book like FamilyFuns Cookies for Christmas: 50 Cute and Quick Holiday Treats, by Deanna F. Cook.

Sing a silly gingerbread song! Click here for words. Create ornaments from your cookies to adorn the Christmas

tree or a wreath. Simply punch a hole in the top of cookies with a straw before baking, then string with ribbon to hang when cooled. friend or family member in need of some extra holiday love. Talk to your child about to whom to take cookies and pray for that person together. tion, such as the Denver Gift Gala (Dec.2-3). Ask the kids the point out their favorite details and ideas. Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys or Lolas continued on page 9 Sugar Rush.

Arrange a pretty plate of homemade cookies for a neighbor,

Peruse masterpieces at a local gingerbread house competi-

Attend a gingerbread house workshop one afternoon at

Enroll in a baking or cooking class with your child, or sign up

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continued from page 8

Read aloud Grandmas Christmas Cookies: A Cookie Cutter

Storybook, by Joanna Bourne, a creative retelling of Jesus birth, then use the accompanying cookie cutters for baking and crafts.

Construct a miniature gingerbread village with graham crackers and royal icing (click here for instructions).

Establish a new family tradition by starting a copper cookie

cutter collection. Let your child pick out their favorite each year at a cooking store or online shop. Hang the shiny cutters on the Christmas tree when the baking is finished.

Craft non-perishable gingerbread cookies out of cork sheets

and white dimensional paint (click here for instructions).

Recommended Reading Christmas Baking for Children, by Fiona Patchett Christmas Cookies: Bite-Sized Holiday Lessons, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal The Gift of the Christmas Cookie: Sharing the Story of Jesus Birth, by Dandi Daley Mackall Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett The Gingerbread Doll, by Susan Tews Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett Gingerbread Mouse, by Katy Bratun The Gingerbread Pirates, by Kristin Kladstrup No-Bake Gingerbread Houses for Kids, by Lisa Anderson Cookie Decorators Icing The perfect icing, it dries hard, glossy and opaque. 1 cup confectioners' sugar 2 teaspoons milk 2 teaspoons light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon almond extract Assorted food coloring Directions: In a small bowl, stir together confectioners' sugar and milk until smooth. Beat in corn syrup and almond extract until icing is smooth and glossy. If icing is too thick, add more corn syrup. Divide into separate bowls, and add food colorings to each to desired intensity.

Tips & Tricks

Take advantage of store-bought cookie dough and frosting if

short on time or baking skills

Choose age-appropriate cookie decorations, such as simple

frosting and sprinkles for young children. Older kids will enjoy applying icing and finer details

Provide little hands with fine-tipped squeeze bottles rather

than unwieldy pastry bags (available at cooking stores) for icing application

Keep all ingredients and dough cold for best baking results Look for cookie or gingerbread kits at craft stores that conveniently include supplies and directions in one box canes in a variety of colors embellishing

Dollar stores offer inexpensive decorative candies and candy Whip up the icing recipe at right for happy, shiny cookie

Keep track of Bear Valley MOPS on Facebook And Www.bearvalleymops.com

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December 2011

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recipes

Sweet Holiday Classics

Jam & Cream Cheese Loaf This has been one of my familys holiday standbys for the past 25 years. I prepare it on Christmas Eve, then bake it on Christmas morning for an easy, colorful breakfast treat. I usually use cherry pie filling for this recipe.--Eileen Gresham cup warm water (110-115 degrees) 1 package active dry yeast 2 cups baking mix 1 beaten egg 1 tablespoon sugar 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened cup sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice cup jam, preserves, or 1 can fruit pie filling In large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Stir in baking mix, egg, and 1 tablespoon sugar; mix well. Turn onto surface dusted with additional baking mix or flour. Knead gently for 20 strokes. Place dough on center of greased 15 x 12-inch baking sheet. Roll to 14 x 9 inches. In large bowl, combine cream cheese, remaining cup sugar, and juice. Spread mixture lengthwise down center -third of dough rectangle. Make 3-inch -long cuts at 1-inch intervals on both long sides (will look like fringe). Alternate folding the strips from each side at an angle, overlapping the filling (for a braided effect). Cover; chill overnight. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Spoon jam down center of loaf. Bake 5 minutes more. Cool 10 minutes. Serves 6. Peanut Butter Bon Bons This recipe comes from a family friend via the cookbook compiled by my small-town, childhood church. I have made these every year with my kids since they were little. Now that they are older, they are still willing to help because they taste so good! --Cindy Stutheit 1-3/4 cups peanut butter 1 stick butter, softened 1 lb. powdered sugar 3 cups rice cereal 6 oz. milk chocolate chips 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 bar paraffin (usually found in canning section) Thoroughly mix peanut butter and butter. Add powdered sugar a little at a time and mix well. Stir in rice cereal. Roll into 1" balls and refrigerate until firm. Melt chocolate and paraffin in microwave. Dip balls in chocolate using tongs. Let cool on wax paper. Heath Bark A candy thermometer is a must for this delicious recipe, as is a non-plastic spoon! Take my word for it-- a plastic spoon can melt into the candy! While this is an easy recipe, it does require constant attention to prevent burning. Have all the ingredients pre-measured and at hand to facilitate the process. --Lindsay Damron 2-1/4 cup butter 2-1/4 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon vinegar 1/2 cup water 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped 1 package (12 oz.) milk chocolate chips 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped Cook butter, sugar, vinegar and water on medium heat until it reaches 305 degrees (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and immediately add baking soda and 1 cup roughly chopped pecans. Spread evenly onto a greased cookie sheet. Top with chocolate chips, then spread around until melted and evenly coated. Sprinkle with cup finely chopped pecans. Allow to cool and set completely before removing from pan and breaking into large pieces.

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December 2011

page 10

momsense study guide, part 2

You know more than you think you do, mom! This flexible six-part study guide will help you and your group gain confidence in your personal mothering style: the way you combine your common sense with the best of your natural intuition. Read the chapters indicated, then consider the questions that pull material from the various chapters you have just read. Finally, this lessons takeaway at the end of each discussion will give you a nugget to think on as you head back into your busy life. So lets get started and unwrap the gift thats waiting to be revealed in each of us: our unique Momsense. For Part 1 of the study guide, see the November 2011 MOPS newsletter.

clubs, groups & events

Book Club The Book Club will be meeting on the second Tuesday of each month (usually) at 7:00p at Kristines house for lively literary discussions. For December (Dec. 6), the book pick is The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa. The January meeting (Jan. 10) is pick-your-own book night; come share a favorite book you have recently read with the group. Club coordinator/contact: Kristine Notter. knotter@comcast.net. 303.882.5925 Christmas Services at BVC Bear Valley Church invites you to attend their family-oriented Christmas services. Christmas Eve services will be held at 3p, 5p and 7p on December 24; a Christmas Day service will be at 9:30a with child-care provided for ages infant to 3 years. All children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to the service that day. Craft Night Calling all crafty mamas! Blow off some holidayprep stress and get to work on your handmade Christmas cards and gifts, scrapbook pages or any other craft projects while enjoying the company of other creative MOPS moms. This month the craft club will meet twice: Monday, December 5 (room 204) and Monday, December 19 (room 205) at 6:30p at BVC. Coordinator/contact: Tina Simms. got2b_outside@yahoo.com. Family New Years Bash Join the festivities at Bear Valley Church on December 31 from 5-7p, including balloon animals, games, food, and a ball drop at 7p, complete with noise-makers. Gift Exchange at MOPS Christmas Brunch Dont forget! During our December 15 special holiday meeting, we will be holding a gift exchange. To participate, bring a wrapped gift ($5-10 value) with your name on a card INSIDE the box. Bring a gift you would be proud to give and excited to receive! Everyone who brings a gift will receive a gift in return. A short game or number-drawing method will be used to distribute gifts. Moms Night Out Join Decembers sweet get-together for a Christmas cookie exchange and holiday party on December 18 at 7p at Tina Susaks house. Bring an appetizer and a drink to share, plus at least 4 dozen cookies to swap, a card containing the cookie recipe, and a container in which to take your cookies home. For info and to RSVP, contact: Rachael Nylin. rnylin@gmail.com. 770.715.1305 or go to the online invitation.

Chapters 4-6 1. 2. How did you respond to this weeks reading? Where were you encouraged and inspired? On page 66, Jean shares what happened when she practiced not asking her kids to hurry up for 24 hours. What have you as a mom learned about finding patience for your kids? Look at the list of adjectives to describe respect on page 75. Think about the positive adjectives you see reflected in your mom friends. Let them know you appreciate this about them! Raising respectful kids may not be easy, but it is possible. Brainstorm ideas (on you own, with your husband or with other mothers) for positive communication you can use to affirm and respect your kids. Since our actions speak louder than our words, what are ways we tend to undermine our influence with our kids? Share one of your struggles with consistency with a friend, and ask her to check in with you as you work to make progress in that area. Or write down an area you struggle with and revisit your words over time to assess how it may have changed.

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This Lessons Takeaway: If you are calm, you are consistent, and you always do what you say youre going to, you will earn their (your childrens) respect and trust. Dr. Kevin Leman

mOPS musings

Bear Valley MOPS Newsletter

bearvalleymops.com

December 2011

page 11

december 2011
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1
9a MOPS Meeting

2
Downtown Parade of Lights 4p Lakewood Tree Lighting Festival Handmade Holiday Craft Show Golden Candlelight Walk

3
9a Child-free Shopping Morning 7p Heart of Christmas Concert Downtown Parade of Lights Handmade Holiday Craft Show

4
A Colorado Christmas Ill Be Home for Christmas The Nutcracker

5
6p Volunteer Night @ OCC Center 6:30p Craft Night FREE Day @ Denver Museum of Nature & Science

6
7p MOPS Book Club FREE Evening @ Childrens Museum Saint Nicholas Day

8
Toy Story 3 on Ice DPL Book Sale National Brownie Day

9
Toy Story 3 on Ice DPL Book Sale

10
Santa Breakfast @ Wildlife Experience Santa Express Train Toy Story 3 on Ice

11
Tuba Christmas Christmas Revels Santa Express Train Twas the Brass Before Christmas Holidays Eve at the Museum

12
National Poinsettia Day

13

14
DAM Create Playdate: Gab

15
9a MOPS Meeting Go Fish Concert

16

17
Christmas Revels Santa Breakfast @ Wildlife Experience Santa Express Train

18
Bake Cookies Day 7p MNO: Cookie Exchange

19
6:30p Craft Night

20
Hanukkah begins

21
Humbug Day A Christmas Carol Ballet

22
Winter Solstice A Christmas Carol Ballet

23
Santa Breakfast @ Wildlife Experience

24
Christmas Eve Santa Breakfast @ Wildlife Experience

25
Christmas Day

26
Kwanzaa

27
Create Paper Snowflakes Day

28

29

30

31
New Years Eve Noon Years Eve New Years Bash @ BVC

mOPS musings

Bear Valley MOPS Newsletter

bearvalleymops.com

December 2011

page 12