Friday, September 28, 2012

Beth Moore Simulcast Recap


By Shelley Kunert, mom2mom Committee Member

On Saturday, September 15, 2012, RMCC hosted Living Proof Live Simulcast with Beth Moore in our new Life Center.  Beth Moore is a well-respected bible teacher and she was speaking live in Redding, PA.  That very same message was streamed real time via amazing technology to all 50 states in the U.S., 96 locations in Canada and 21 International locations!  

I was overwhelmed with the idea that not only was I with 260 of my sisters at RMCC but we all were joined together with many, many sisters at the ends of the earth to hear the message!  Our verse for the day was Psalm 68:11 (NET) “The Lord speaks; and many, many women spread the good news!”

And what a message it was!  God spoke to us through typical Beth Moore fashion with her humor, passion and deep conviction.  That day, she called for a Revival of Faith.  She taught from 2 Kings 4 about two women of faith who had two completely different lives.  Beth encouraged us to live a life of faith by stepping out into adventure and experience the abundant life in Christ.  

Then, she tugged at my heart when she talked about fear.  That was very nasty thing that had recently crept into my walk, once again.  The Word says to forsake fear and to take courage!  As she prepared for this simulcast, she made a list of scriptures regarding fear and then put them into a nice little packet.  This packet, “The Great Forsake and Take” is available at blog.lpm.org for you to download and pray daily to battle fear.

It was a day of fellowship, faith revival and forsaking fear and taking courage!  A day that was made possible, worldwide, by none other than our glorious Lord Jesus Christ!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Fall Inspiration Board

We are so excited to introduce you to our first mom2mom Inspiration Board.

Approximately each month, this blog will feature an Inspiration Board based on an upcoming holiday or season. If you whip up an item featured on the board, be sure to stop by the blog and leave a comment about it!


 Enjoy!


Kid Crafts:

How to? Click here


Craft/Fall Fashion:

How to? Click here.


Delectable Recipes:
How to? Click here. 

How to? Click here.

Homemade Starbucks Carmel Apple Cider? You betcha!
How to? Click here.


Home Decor:

Pantone Paint colors for fall! Hmmm... from home decor to fashion, what could we do with them?



How to? Click here.


How to? Click here. 


How to? Click here.



Don't forget to let us know if you try any of these ideas or have ideas you would love to share for our Winter 2012 Inspiration Board. Email us at momtomom.rmcc@gmail.com




Image credits: Images used from Pintrest, www.marthastewart.com, www.bhg.com, www.moredesignplease.com 

Friday, September 21, 2012

September Meeting Annoucements & Recap

Welcome back (and a special and sincere welcome to the moms joining us for the first time)! Words cannot express how fabulous it is to see everyone back at mom2mom for another year of brunches, encouragement, friendship, and words of wisdom. We are absolutely thrilled for you to join us!

Announcements:

Don't forget to "like" our Facebook page!! 
The page will keep you updated on upcoming events 
and provide a way to connect with fellow moms.

Mark your calendars for the clothing exchange at our October meeting!
More details to follow.

mom2mom will feature an optional book club this semester, 
and will cover the book The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman.  
Book club will meet Thursday October 4 and November 1 from 9:30-11:30a.m.  
Childcare will be available with advance registration.  
Books may be purchased for $10 through church. 
The only "homework" involved is to actually read the book!

Please go ahead and mark your calendars for the following important dates:

October 4--Book Club Meeting 9:30-11:30
October 18--mom2mom Meeting 9:30-11:30
November 1--Book Club Meeting 9:30-11:30
November 15--mom2mom Meeting 9:30-11:30
December 13--mom2mom Meeting 9:30-11:30
January 17--mom2mom Meeting 9:30-11:30
February 21--mom2mom Meeting 9:30-11:30
Friday March 22--mom2mom Meeting 9:30-11:30
April 18--mom2mom Meeting 9:30-11:30

play-dates & moms night out dates to be scheduled!

We hope to see everyone at every meeting!!

 Meeting Recap:



At our first meeting for Fall 2012, mom2mom began with a fabulous brunch, including the following delectable treats: pumpkin muffins with cream cheese icing, an avocado and tomato egg casserole, and an oatmeal bake topped with peaches, bananas, and warm maple syrup. (Click here for a recipe post featuring these delightful dishes!)  

After announcements and an introduction to the Table Moms and Committee Members, moms embarked upon a speed-dating-style get-to-know-you game (anyone else craving chocolate and a tropical beach?).  




Congratulations to Adrienne for remembering the most facts!  Her prize was the children's book A Perfect Pet for Peyton by Gary D. Chapman.  This book partners with The 5 Love Languages of Children and both teaches children the importance of love and helps them to discover their own personal love language. 

The remaining time was spent in fellowship with our small groups, getting to know one another, and our table moms. We hope you were uplifted and encouraged through today's meeting and look forward to getting to know you and your family throughout the upcoming year!




Thursday, September 20, 2012

9.20 Meeting Recipes

BAKED AMISH OATMEAL
  • 6 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup apple juice concentrate, unsweetened and undiluted
  • 3 1/4 cups whole dairy milk, soy, rice or almond milk is fine too
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 6 cups rolled oats, or quick oats, see below
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped fine (optional)
  • 6-8 large fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1 cup walnuts, pecans or almonds, diced (optional)
  • Add-ins include raisins, craisins and dried apricots, etc. (optional)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How To Make Amish Baked Oatmeal


  1. Grease 9 X 13 - inch glass or stoneware baking dish and set aside.
  2. In mixer bowl with whisk attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, whip eggs, concentrated apple juice, milk, canola oil and maple syrup together until foamy.
  3. Add cinnamon, baking powder and oatmeal, and stir until mixed. Add apples, walnuts, and any other add-ins. Stir in and mix well.
  4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  5. Mix the 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together.
  6. If making the Baked Oatmeal with quick oats, pour into prepared pan, sprinkle the brown sugar over the oatmeal, and let sit for 15 minutes so the oats can soak up some of the liquid before baking. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Oatmeal will puff up and rise a bit while baking, but will settle while cooling.
  7. If using old-fashioned rolled oats, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge, uncover, and let sit while the oven is preheating to 350 degrees F. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until puffed and slightly browned around the edges. Bake time may take longer straight out of the refrigerator.
  8. Careful! Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Baked Oatmeal can be very hot!
  9. Serves 6-10, depending on serving size.
  10. Serving suggestions: Top with yogurt and fresh fruit; Top with whipped cream for dessert; Add milk and sprinkle with brown sugar; Drizzle pure maple syrup over the top.

California Egg Casserole

12 eggs
2 cups shredded Jack cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
2 large avocados, cubed

3/4 cup green onions, diced
8 oz cream cheese cut into small chunks
3/4 cup milk
Optional : Italian chicken sausage, cooked and cut into chunks. 

Prepare 9×13 dish with nonstick spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix eggs with milk, beat well.  Layer 2 cups Jack cheese. Layer remaining ingredients: avocados, tomatoes, green onions, cream cheese. Cover with remaining cheese and cover all with egg/milk mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Muffins
4 eggs                                      
2 t baking powder
1 C vegetable oil                      
2 C sugar
2 C flour                                    
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin
1/2 t cloves (ground)               
1/2 t salt
1/4 t ginger  (ground)               
1/2 t nutmeg
2 t cinnamon                            
1 t baking soda

Mix well. Pour into greased 12 x 18 pan or muffin tins.   Bake at 350  25-30 min.   (for mini muffins check  at 15min)

Frosting
1  6oz package cream cheese
1  t vanilla
4  C powdered sugar
1/4 stick butter
1  T milk

Beat cream cheese and butter, then add sugar and vanilla (add milk if needed for spreading)

A Note from Cheryl

So… Jeff (my husband of 30 years) and I are sitting in church on Sunday when we look over and see a precious young mom walk through the doors holding her baby.  A diaper bag on her shoulder, burp cloth in one arm, and cradling her little one in the other, she is doing the mom bounce.  

If you have kids you know what I’m talking about.  It’s a perfect up and down movement that you know comforts your baby. It’s different for each one.  Some like a gentle up and down motion and some may like a two bounces and a sway.  I could tell she knew exactly how to comfort hers.   The look on her face said, “Ahhhh finally asleep.”  

As she walked to her seat, the pacifier hit the floor.  She paused. A look of panic came across her face. Wait, now a smile. Yep, still asleep.  With the skill of a tightrope walker, remaining in an upright position, she bent down, picked it up, keeping the diaper bag on her shoulder, and all the while keeping up the mom bounce.  

I have to admit, I was impressed.  It had been many years since I had attempted that.  She eased into her seat across the aisle from us, and just as she settled in… you guessed it, her precious little one started to squirm.   Up she got and out the doors she went so as not to disturb anyone.  

Jeff turned and looked at me.  With a smirk and a wink he said, “I remember those days.”  And with a smile and a wink back, I replied, “Oh I bet you do.”  You see our kids are 27 and 23 now. What must seem like ages ago to Jeff, really does seem like yesterday to me.  I remember the mom bounce, the diaper bag, and the quick exits I made so as not to disturb anyone.  

With much gratefulness, I also remember the number of moms who encouraged me along the way, the helpful hints, a listening ear, and Godly wisdom from someone who had been down the same road, and was still joyful.  That is what we at mom2mom want to be to you.  A place you can come to relax, connect with other moms, and be encouraged along the way.  A few of us have been down the road you are traveling now and would like to come and walk along side of you. A few minutes later, the doors opened again and she took her seat with baby fast asleep.  I leaned into Jeff, thinking, “Yes, I remember those days… and… they are beautiful memories.”  Welcome to mom2mom.   

We are here for you.                                                                                                                                

Only by Grace,
Cheryl
mom2mom Coordinator

Meet the 2012/13 mom2mom Moms


Committee Members: 

Cheryl Washburn:



Name of hubby and how long married: Jeff, 30 years
Name and ages of kids:  Stefani - 27,  Devin - 23

Favorite place to spend time with hubby sans kiddos: Our back patio

Before I became a mother, I.... was in Real Estate

Go-to verse or passage: Phil 4:6-8

My Starbucks cup is filled with: Venti Bold with Cream

When not wiping runny noses, carpooling, or attending mom2mom I am.... working at Starbucks

Bucket list goal for 2012/Or something that accomplished in 2012: Memorize James

Favorite way to decompress: Patio time with Jeff

Cheryl is our mom2mom Coordinator.



Jennifer Agrabright:





Name of hubby and how long married: Ryan and married for 13 years

Name and ages of kids:  Elena 7, Stephen 5

Favorite place to spend time with hubby sans kiddos:  on couch watching old reruns of "Bones"



Before I became a mother, I... (fill in with past activities, job, or thoughts predating motherhood):  thought I would always work outside the home and never want to be that "stay at home mom"

Go-to verse or passage: Hebrews 11:1

My Starbucks cup is filled with: Mocha Frappichino

When not wiping runny noses, carpooling, or attending mom2mom I am... working my jewelry business, shopping for clothes or accessories, or hanging out with close friends or my hubby

Bucket list goal for 2012/Or something that accomplished in 2012:  Earn Ryan a trip to go with me to Riviera Maya in Cancun for 2013

Favorite way to decompress: go by myself or meet a friend and go shopping

Jennifer is our greeter, administrator, and oversees food assignments for each month. 



Liz Garrett:

Name of hubby and how long married: Matt, 3 1/2 years

Name and ages of kids: Macy - 2 1/2, Levi - edd 10-12

Favorite place to spend time with hubby sans kiddos: relaxing on a tropical beach, get a couples massage 


Before I became a mother, I.... worked as a regional business development manager for a corporate travel management company, enjoyed traveling, and had more energy on less sleep ;)


Go to verse: Ephesians 2:8-10-- For it is by grace you have been saved through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


My Starbucks cup is filled with: White Peppermint Mocha or Iced Green tea w/no sweetener

When not wiping runny noses, carpooling, or attending mom2mom I am or would like to.... working out, decorating, reading (or re-reading) a good book, organizing, shopping

Bucket list goal for 2012/Or something that accomplished in 2012: I ran my first 1/2 marathon in March :) and next years goal is to run it in under 2 hours!!

Favorite way to decompress: Searching Pinterest for my next "project", getting a pedi, working out!



Liz oversees our mom2mom Facebook page and blog, as well as help plan our play dates. 


Shelley Kunert

Name of hubby and how long married: Jason, 16 years 

Name and ages of kids: Daughter - 8, Son -  6 1/2

Favorite place to spend time with hubby sans kiddos: Coyotes hockey game!



Before I became a mother, I... thought I knew everything!


Go-to verse or passage: Zephaniah 3:17, 2 Corinthians 4:7

My Starbucks cup is filled with: coconut mocha skinny iced or blended WITH coconut flakes, but I'd rather have a cup of Earl grey tea with honey and milk at home :)

When not wiping runny noses, carpooling, or attending mom2mom I am or would like to... travel- anywhere!

Something that accomplished in 2012: First ever visit to Disneyland and Grand Canyon!

Favorite way to decompress: watch movies at home or theater

Shelley is also one of our mom2mom greeters as well as overseeing childcare for mom2mom. 



Kristin Self:


Name of Hubby and years married: Shane and we were high school sweethearts, been married 15yrs

Name/ages of kids: Jacob - 11, Samantha - 9, Hannah - 6, Nathan - 6, Grace - 3

Favorite place to spend time sans kids: We truly enjoy the 'staycation'. We love getting a room a couple a times a year (or farming kids out to family and staying home), going out to a very grown up dinner and talking, talking, talking! It is this time where we get the most reconnected.

Before I became a mother...I worked full time: Shane was at ASU full-time so I worked to support us while he got his engineering degree. It was important for us to get this completed before we had kids so i could eventually be a stay at home mom. I loved to scrapbook and be crafty. I played on a co-ed softball team. I thought I knew everything it took to be a great mom...hahahaha, I have been humbled every day since I became a mother to 5 unique, individual babes. Thank God for renewed grace every day.

Go to verse: Ephs 1: 5-6  This has been such a huge part of our life the last 5yrs and has shaped who and what our family is today. God placed in our hearts foster care and adoption and we strive to teach all our kids they are chosen not only by us but by a great and mighty Lord. He knew from the beginning of time we would be a family!

My Starbucks cup is filled with: A soy, no water chai (winter) or iced white chocolate latte, no whip (summer)

When not wiping noses....I would like to be doing: I still would love to be a labor and delivery nurse, but most recently going to culinary school has began to peak my interest. I would love to become a pastry chef/make wedding cakes. :-)

Bucket list for 2012: It was to take our family to Disneyland, which we have been doing several times this year.

Favorite way to decompress: A nice night out with my hubby and/or girlfriends where there is tons of talking, eating of great food and plenty of laughter to go around.

Kristin is our mom2mom photographer, and oversees the planning of play dates and our mom's night out.


Jaime Tischler:



Name of hubby and how long married: Bobby, 10 years this coming January! :-)
Name and ages of kids:  Blake Emery - 3, Ryker Paisan - 9 months

Favorite place to spend time with hubby sans kiddos: Zushi, Postinos, going for a long drive to Xtreme Bean drive-thru in Tempe for coffee

Before I became a mother, I... worked as a writer at a business magazine, went to a lot of punk rawk shows, enjoyed cruises and traveling, owned and operated Typecast Clothing shop with Bobby. 

Go-to verse or passage: Mathew 6:26

My Starbucks cup is filled with: Passion Fruit Ice Tea

When not wiping runny noses, carpooling, or attending mom2mom I am... catching up with friends, shopping, baking, giving Blake timeouts, planning out theme parties for my kiddos’ b-days way too far in advance, reading Real Simple magazine. 

Something that I accomplished in 2012: Warrior Dash

Favorite way to decompress: Date nights with Bobby, going for a short run, girls nights.

Jaime oversees our mom2mom blog and Facebook page, as well as helps plan play dates. 


Table Moms:

Aurora Ballard



Name of Hubby and years married: Eric, 20 years

Name and ages of kids: Sara - 18, Kayla - 15

Favorite place to spend time sans kids: Six Flags

Before I became a mother, I was... an electrical engineer and 10 year flight attendant 

Go to verse: John 3:16

My Starbucks cup is filled with: regular coffee with milk

When not wiping runny noses, carpooling, or attending mom2mom I am... at the gym.

Bucket list for 2012: Complete Bible in a year, clean out guest room, finish P90x through Jan.

Favorite way to decompress: Red Box movie with popcorn :-)



Julie Hydzu





Name of hubby and how long married: Adam, 20 years



Name and ages of kids: Zac - 18yrs, Alexa - 15yrs, Luke - 11yrs


Favorite place to spend time with hubby sans kiddos: Flagstaff, hiking and playing tennis

Go-to verse or passage: Phil 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: REJOICE!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My Starbucks cup is filled with: iced non-fat caramel macchiato, stirred

When not wiping runny noses, carpooling, or attending mom2mom I am... running my company and would like to be riding horses, hiking and eating lunch out with girlfriends and husband.

Bucket list goal for 2012: Secure an investor for my company and start hot yoga

Favorite way to decompress: Walk



Diane Silashki




Name of hubby and how long married: Dan, 26 years (we dated for five years before marrying)


Name and ages of kids: Katie- 22 and Ben - 17

Favorite place to spend time with hubby sans kiddos: Mt. Lemmon in Tucson. It is about 40 degrees cooler than the desert, so we pack a picnic, jackets, a Frisbee, etc. and spend the day enjoying simple laid back time together.

Before I became a mother, I... was married for four years and worked full time as a Manager of Human Resources for non-profit organizations. We owned a home, so our weekends were focused on "home" work.

Go-to verse or passage: Micah 6:8 "And what does the Lord require of you; but to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before the Lord."

My Starbucks cup is filled with: water 

When not wiping runny noses, carpooling, or attending mom2mom I am or would like to... travel with my husband, either when he travels for business or for fun (we didn't travel much before kids because of our jobs.)

Bucket list goal for 2012/Or something that accomplished in 2012: I just finished working seven years on staff at Red Mountain Community Church in May so my life has recently just opened up for what God has for me next. Right now my prayer is that God will reveal exactly what He has for me in this season, so I am trying to be faithful and stay out of His way. Stay tuned!

Favorite way to decompress: Enjoying watching our city's fabulous sunsets in the evening with my husband and talk about our day and kids.



Yvonne Vail:



Name of hubby and how long married: Scott 13 years

Name and ages of kids: Nolan - 21, Cassidy - 20, Milan - 17, Levi - 11

Favorite place to spend time with hubby sans kiddos: Tent Camping in the woods, or baseball/football game

Before I became a mother, I.... wanted to be a missionary and travel the country

Go-to verse or passage: Philippians 4:8,9

My Starbucks cup is filled with: Grande Skinny Sugar-free  Vanilla Latte 180 degrees:}

When not wiping runny noses, carpooling, or attending mom2mom I am... a CEO of a major corporation that raises moral and upright children for God's kingdom and our Nations future. I also have the privilege of being a stylist which I adore!

Bucket list goal for 2012/Or something that accomplished in 2012: Warrior Dash Race/half-marathon, Memorize a book of the Bible.

Favorite way to decompress: Hike, Bike, Run, Gardening or Reading




Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Blog 411


Just as mom2mom is a place for mom's to gather and enjoy discussion time and guest speakers, we hope that this blog will also serve you in this crazy-wonderful journey as a mom.

After each monthly mom2mom meeting, we will have a recap of the guest speaker's topic. As well as digging deeper into our monthly subject matter. You can expect at least two weekly posts on this blog. We dedicate Monday's blog posts to help getting our weeks in gear and Friday's posts let us dwell and explore pertinent subject matters relating to motherhood and our walk with Christ. Here's a little more on the blog post breakdowns:

Mondays: Reboot after a busy weekend with the family. Our Monday postings will help you meal plan with yummy recipes, enrich little minds with great ideas for hands-on activities for you and your kiddos, plus organizational and fitness tips for us mamas, and oh-so-much more to help you tackle that weekly to-do list.

Fridays: Dig deeper. Friday postings will recap our meetings with notes from our Mom2Mom guest speakers. Friday postings will also include devotionals, testimonies from your fellow mamas, articles, guest bloggers, and stories to help enrich and uplift you.

If you have any questions, commentary, or great ideas to add regarding the blog, please email us at:
mom2mom.rmcc@gmail.com