Mom of the Month - May

Our Mom of the Month for May is....

Amanda B!

1.) Who's in your family?
Me, my husband Dean, & Liam (18months)

2.) What is your favorite thing about MOPS?
Making new friends, "It Works For Me", & breakfast!

3.) Describe a favorite childhood memory.
Riding big wheels and just generally being up to no good with my sister and cousins at our grandparents' house.

4.) Who was your favorite teacher, and why?
Mrs. Little- 4th grade. She was so beautiful and elegant and had really pretty handwriting on the chalkboard. I wanted to be just like her.

5.) What is your favorite sweet treat (and your favorite tooth paste)?
That's a hard one, it's hard to pick just one. But, I'm gonna have to go with angel food cake with fresh, real whipped cream. Toothpaste -haha! I like good ole Crest. I prefer the one that has Scope in it.

6.) If you had a day all to yourself, what would you do?
I would go the city (SF) and get a hotel room all to myself, sleep in, take my time getting ready, shop and eat yummy food. Lots of it.

7.) What is one piece of advice that you can give to our MOPS group?
Don't be afraid to go after what you want in life. Dreams can come true if you trust in God and are willing to put the work in. Sometimes, they end up looking a little different than we envisioned, but it's all well worth it.

April Mom of the Month (M.O.M.)!

Our April Mom of the Month is....

Cyndi D!!!

1.) Who's in your family?

Myself, my husband Walt, Grace 4 1/2, Emily 3, Wade 6m.




2.) What is your favorite thing about MOPS?

My favorite thing about MOPS would have to be getting to know other moms & learning that I am not alone in raising my kids.




3.) What is your favorite family activity?

Saturdays are my favorite...when Walt doesn't have to work, we go to Mr. T's for donuts, then take the kids to the park to play & then go home & spend the afternoon hanging out in our front yard visiting with the neighbors & enjoying family time.




4.) If you could hang out with any celebrity for the day, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

The only person I can come up with would be Sarah Drew (Mom's Night Out, Grey's Anatomy) She seems like she would be really fun & I really admire her values in the hollywood industry.




5.) Describe a fun childhood memory.

I love camping, so my fun childhood memories involve lots of camping trips...we have gone camping many places, but every summer we go to a place called Sly Creek Reservoir with my immediate family & my aunt & uncle and their 2 boys...we have been going to this same place for at least 14 years and we enjoy taking our wakeboard boat with us...there are so many memories that we have made there together!




6.) What is one piece of advice that you can offer to our group?

I try to remember to give myself & others grace. So, if I don't get everything done around the house (laundry, cleaning, etc...)I try not to be too hard on myself. I try to do the same with my husband & kids too.

March Mom of the Month (M.O.M.)!

March Mom of the Month:

Lisa L!!!!

1.) Who's in your family?
Me, my loving husband, and my 2&1/2 year old daughter!



2.) What is your favorite thing about MOPS?
The yummy breakfast from the moms!



3.) What is your favorite activity to do with your daughter?
Dancing with her and watching her dance to music!



4.) If you had a day all to yourself, what would you do?
Sleep........



5.) What is your favorite sweet treat?
Almond marzipan cake or moist chocolate cake!



6.) Describe a fun childhood memory?
Going to the beach and swimming with my family!



7.) What is one piece of advice that you can offer to the moms in our group?
Have patience with your spouse, kid(s), and yourself!

February Mom of the Month!!!

Our February Mom of the Month (M.O.M) is:

Laura P.

1.) Who's in your family?
My husband Dean, my daughters Adrianna (15) & Eleni (5) & son Andoni (3)


2.) What's your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory would be of staying with my Grandma who was so loving to us and would bring us white bread toasted with butter, cinnamon & sugar & and make me strawberry milk & she would cover me with a blanket while I ate with my feet up. Granted I wasn't sick, just loved to spoil me..Also, she would keep baked good such as pies & cookies in her bedroom in an old porta crib under a towel away from all uncles to be sure I would get some. Also, I was the only grandkid that was allowed to sleep in her bed with her.


3.) What's the nicest thing someone's ever done for you?
The nicest thing anyone has every done for me would be when I went on vacation for 10 days & when I came home there was flowers in my kitchen, home made soup in my fridge and milk and fruit and vegetables and a welcome home sign all from my neighbor that we had only known a few months. She had used her key and did all that on her own


4.) Describe your dream vacation.
My dream vacation would be going someplace tropical that I haven't been & relaxing in the sun & swimming.


5.) What is your favorite "me time" activity?
My favorite me time activity is shopping or getting a massage.


6.) What's your favorite thing about MOPS?
I think it's fun when we play games.


7.) What is one piece of advice you can give to our MOPS moms?
My one piece of advice is "things happen for a reason" & also " God won't give you more then you can handle"...

January Mom of the Month!!!

Our January Mom of the Month (M.O.M) is....

Kate O.

1.) Who's in your family?

Our little family includes myself, my husband, Luke, and our two sons, Wesley (3 and 1/2) and Graham (7 months).






2.) What's your favorite thing about MOPS?

Being a mom can feel very isolating at times. You wonder if you are making the right choices as a mom or if you are the only one going through certain things. MOPS makes me feel like I'm not alone, and that there are other women just like me who are just trying to do their best for their families. I love the speakers who share with us, the adult conversation....and let's be honest, the breakfast is one of my favorite things too :)






3.) What was your favorite moment from Christmas?

My eldest didn't really get the whole Santa thing last year, so watching the magic of it all through his eyes was so much fun. He sprinkled "reindeer food" outside, worried about Santa getting burned in the fire, and spent an hour just in awe of his filled stocking. Who knows how many years of that kind of magic we have left?






4.) If you had a weekend to yourself, what would you do?

I would do all the things I'm not able to do on a normal day. Probably get a massage, go to the movies, read a book, eat out at a fabulous restaurant, and take a bunch of naps. Oh, and I'd sleep all night long. Did I mention I'd sleep?






5.) Who has been the most influential person in your life?

My mom, for sure. She has been my steady rock all my life, praying for me through every chapter. She always had faith in me, even when I didn't.






6.) What is one piece of advice you can offer other moms?

I guess one thing I've been working on is trying to find the joy in every stage, no matter how frustrating. My husband and I recently pulled out home videos for the first time, and I found myself sobbing after two minutes. It shocked me that our tiny baby had grown into a little boy without me even noticing it. I got so caught up in milestones and progress that I forgot to just treasure him being little.

November Mom of the Month!

Our November M.O.M (Mom of the Month) is...

Stephanie E.

1.) Who's in your family?

I feel fortunate to be married to my best friend Scott who is a very kind and soft spirit. We have Allison who is 9 (my bonus daughter),  Jillian who is 3 and Benjamin who is 1.5.

2.) What's your favorite things about MOPS?

My favorite things about mops are the swap and shop, & definitely breakfast and play dates.

3.) What's your favorite Thanksgiving dish & favorite Thanksgiving memory?

My favorite TG dish is a toss up between mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. My favorite TG memory is always going to my great aunt Doris' house and seeing cousins that I would only get to see on this holiday.

4.) Describe a fun childhood memory.

My best childhood memory was traveling to Costa Rica when I was 9 and seeing monkeys and toucans.

5.) What advice or encouragement can you offer the moms in our group?

When you feel alone in the middle of the night with a crying baby or sick child, there is most likely one of us awake too. You are not alone! It will pass. Also, I think reading to your child as much as possible, even when you are so tired or tired of the same book, is one of the best gifts you can give to them.

October Mom of the Month (M.O.M.) - Renee R.

M.O.M. (Mom of the Month) - October

Renee R.

1. Who's in your family?

My family consists of my husband, Seth (my high school sweetheart). We just celebrated our 10 year anniversary in June. I love doing life with him. We have 2 daughters. Haley will be 3 in November and Samantha is 2 1/2 months old.


2.) What is your favorite thing about MOPS?

I love how I always leave encouraged and inspired. I love the speakers that come and it is SO nice to be surrounded by a room full of moms who I can relate to because we are all at the same place in life. Raising little ones.


3.) What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

Ha! Well, I attended a very conservative church school. Every Halloween they held a "Fall Gathering" but costumes were NOT allowed.Sooooo.... (shock alert) I never went Trick or Treating. 

4.) Describe your dream vacation.

A trip to Italy with my husband. No kids. :) I'd love to be tucked in a villa for a week or two eating lots of Italian food. Doesn't this picture look dreamy?

5.) What is your favorite sweet treat?

Ugh....I have to narrow it down to one? I love Boysenberry pie. It MUST be warm with a scoop of vanilla icecream.


6.) What advice or encouragement can you offer the moms in our group?

Have grace. Grace for other moms (I have NOT mastered this....work in progress). It is easy to cast judgement on the mom who is in Target with the toddler who is throwing a tantrum. It is easy to think, "Wow. She needs to discipline those kids". As moms, we all have good and bad days. Treat others as we would want to be treated. Maybe offer a word of encouragement to her. I have been the recipient of cards that have said, "You are a GREAT mom, keep up the good work". I have saved them and re~read them over and over. Oh how those words have blessed me. Let's encourage one another and have GrAcE.

Mom of the Month: September 2014

M.O.M. (Mom of the Month) - September

DeAndra T.

1.) Who is in your family?

My family consists of my husband Matthew, our son Jesse (6), our daughter Gia (4), and half of our time we have our part-time kids (nephews) Jayden and Lawrence.


2.) What is your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory is from my junior high years. I would lay in bed with my sister Payton who is two years younger than me and tell her all my "super cool" stories from school.


3.) What is your favorite thing about MOPS?

My favorite thing about MOPS is the weird cheesy potato thing that someone ALWAYS brings. There are mornings when I am too tired to function and wanted to skip MOPS, but those cheesy potato things got me out of bed.


4.) If you had a day to yourself, what would you do?

If I had a day to myself, honestly, I would eat junk food and mindlessly watch tv until I was so full that I'm on the brink of exploding and then call my grandpa to hang out with me.


5.) What is your favorite caffeinated beverage?

My favorite caffeinated beverage is some organic coffee from Trader Joes that habitually resides in my cabinets, mixed with chocolate almond milk...but it has to be delivered to me in bed... by my husband, before I can get out of bed.... oh! And I it can't be after I've begged him for 30 minutes to bring it to me.


6.) What is one piece of advice that you would share with other moms?

The best advice I could ever give to any mom sounds cliche, but I am being 100% sincere... is to live by Proverbs 3:6--Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths... I have learned that all I have to do is ask, listen, and be willing to obey. The Lord will provide more than enough wisdom to live a life that is blessed beyond measure!

Mom of the Month: April

Mom of the Month: April

Lisa Yarbrough

Who is in your family?

Ben, Lisa, Jacob (9), Emily (7), Addison (3)

What were your favorite Easter traditions growing up?

My favorite Easter traditions growing up were finding the best outfit with matching hat to wear to church, followed by lunch with extended family and an egg hunt. We would also leave on Easter night every year to spend spring break in Palm Desert. We pretty much do those same things now….minus the Easter hat. :)

What is one thing you miss about being a kid?

Oh man! There are so many things. I miss freedom and playing without much responsibility. Being a kid is great!

What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

I have been blessed in my life to be surrounded by so many nice people. It's almost hard to pick the nicest thing. I would have to say that the nicest things that stand out in my mind were during a time when we were struggling financially. Monetary gifts, a meal out, groceries and diapers purchased for us. The generosity of people was humbling and so much appreciated.

Any advice or encouragement for the other moms in our group?

The advice I have is to eliminate distractions. I say this because I have fallen into the trap of distractions myself. It's easy, it happens slowly. Limit your time on Facebook, pinterest, twitter, instagram, etc. The electronic age is robbing us of time spent with our beautiful loved ones. I realized when my kids would say, "Mommy get off your phone!" that I was neglecting what was most important to me. Live in the moment with your kids, enjoy their presence! I decided I didn't want my kids to look back on their childhood and think, "My mommy sure loved her phone!" Just a thought… :)

Mom of the Month: March

Mom of the Month: March

Sara Poulos

Who is in your family?
My family consists of my husband, Caleb, my daughter, Ava (16 months), me and our three dogs, Henry, Hank and Harvey, and four cats, Sam, Ashley, May, Elaina and Sookie.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is traveling while playing fast pitch A- division softball. I was the catcher.

Do you have a place where you like to go to relax or think?
That place would have to be in my bathtub with bubbles and candles lit!

If you could be a member of any TV-sitcom family, which would it be?
My husband says I am most like Claire from Modern Family. I also think it would be neat to have my own talk show!

What bit of advice or encouragement can you offer the other moms in our group?
Do what works for you! As a mom you can go crazy from all the advice and tips constantly given to you. There is also a lot of pressure and comparing as well. Follow your instincts and heart and God will lead you in the right direction.

Mom of the Month: February

Mom of the Month: February

Lili Leiva

Who is in your family?

My husband Leo and me, Lili Leiva. We were both LL's so we thought we'd keep it going…We have Linelle (8), Lileahna (5), Landez (3), little Leo (20 months).

Do you have a favorite event in the winter olympics?

I'm so bad…I haven't watched the olympics at all! But, my favorite is figure skating with the couples- so romantic!

What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

Once we had an older neighbor that would mow our lawn…all the time. When I had the baby, he delivered a package of goodies for us… it would have popsicles, fruits, juice, and frozen dinners. This went on for about 3 months. Let's just say we miss him very much!

To what would you like to devote more time?

I would like to devote more time to my husband. Between Bible study, MOPS, kids' school, gym, cooking, housework…list goes on and on…at times he gets the leftovers of me at the end of the day…which is not fair for him. I would like to actually go every month to date my husband…this task is easier said than done!

What advice or encouragement can you offer to the moms in our group?

My advice for young moms is to take the time and enjoy your family. Making memories is priceless and they will be gone before you know it. Housework will always be around but not our kids.

Mom of the Month: January

Mom of the Month: January

Ciara Fielder

Who is in your family?

My handsome husband, Robert. My oldest miracle, Clayton (6), and God's way of molding my character, Christian (2).

What are your New Year's resolutions?

My New Year's resolution is the encourage someone with words and/or actions every day. It could be a friend or family member or even a stranger. (We are all in this thing called life together why not help encourage each other?)

What is your favorite "me" time activity?

I have 2 favorite "me" time activities scrapbooking (photography) and about 9 months ago I started running.

What was your favorite childhood activity?

My favorite childhood activity was every Monday night was "family night." My dad would play the guitar, we would sing, play games, etc. It carried into our teenage and adult years. And now even though we all live in different states we all having family nights with our own families.

What advice or encouragement can you offer the other moms in our group?

My advice would be, don't do this motherhood thing alone. Do play dates, grab a girlfriend and go for coffee, do a Bible study with friends, and make sure you get some "me" time.

Mom of the Month: December

Mom of the Month: December

Yesenia Jamison

Who is in your family? 

My husband is Vincent Jamison and he is an Estate Planning attorney here in Modesto. We have been married 8 1/2 years and have two beautiful daughters Gisselle Rihanna, 4, and Stella Rose, 2.

What is your favorite childhood holiday memory?

I am full Mexican and was raised in a Catholic home. Our tradition was to stay up until past midnight and welcome Christmas Day as a family. We were able to open our gifts at midnight, which my parents did only things we needed as gifts, so yes underwear and socks were a signature gift, except we did get a bike one year. We then hurried off to mass at 12:30am. I loved this, as Christmas Day was not about the gifts but about Jesus' birth.

How will you be spending your Christmas holiday this year?

For the first time since my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, she was feeling well enough to travel to Mexico to see family, so our Christmas will be spent at our new place on Christmas Eve with my brother and his family, as we stay up until midnight to welcome Christmas Day. On the actual Christmas Day we will be making memories with our little ladies in the morning and then heading up the road to my in-law's house to celebrate with my husband's side of the family.

What is your favorite "me" time activity?

My favorite "me" time is going to Starbucks or lunch by myself...I can check my Facebook, Pinterest, etc. without a little one asking me to play a game on my phone, feed them, or have to stop a melt down. It is amazing how much food I can eat when I can actually sit down and do it! I am also a big thrift store person, so I try to sneak that in every time I get my alone time.

What bit of advice or encouragement can you offer the other Mommies in our group?

I am so new at this mom thing that I am not sure if I can give sound advice. I can tell you what has worked for me...

I make sure I make my kids belly laugh every day, there is something about them laughing that energizes me and them as well.

I have seen in my personal life how things can change dramatically from one day to another, so I try to live today as best as I can, as tomorrow is not promised.

Lastly, I try to be as real with my children as possible. My husband and I don't try to show our kids a perfect marriage because one does not exist, we are honest about our mistakes and when needed I go and apologize to my kids when I loose my temper. I love their daddy in front of them, as well as show them at times sin can enter our home and turmoil will arise. It is important to me that my kids see our "perfect" mess, that way they will know as adults how to deal with the good times and bad times.

Mom of the Month: November

Mom of the Month: November

Brittney Burrow

Who is in your family?

My husband is Josh and we have two beautiful boys together. Benjamin just turned 3 and Andrew is 6 months old.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory is of making mud pies outside! My mom would give me her old pie tins and I would make mud out of water and dirt and fill them up. Then I would decorate them with rocks and flowers. My mom was a good sport because she allowed me to put them in our refrigerator when I was done!

If you had  a free vacation anywhere, where would you go?

If I had a free vacation I would love to go to Italy! I would love to see all of the iconic landmarks and enjoy the food with a glass of wine.

What is your favorite "waste of time" or Pinterest find?

My favorite "waste of time" is reading. Thank God for the Kindle app on my phone! My favorite Pinterest finds are the free printables. They are a great way to add character to your home decor or for holidays! I have a few in our playroom too.

What bit of advice or encouragement can you share with the other moms in our group?

It feels odd for me to offer advice to other moms because I feel like I'm the one who needs advice and encouragement! What I have been working on lately is to enjoy the moment because it will pass in the blink of an eye. I am realizing my kids are growing so fast and even though some of our moments feel stressful and out of control, I know that years down the road I will look back and miss those moments. I do not want to look back  with regret and remember feeling frustrated and stressed. I want to smile and remember laughing and enjoying my boys.

Mom of the Month

Mom of the Month: OCTOBER

Melissa Basi

Who is in your family?

Pinder (husband), Me, Mia (10), Kiley (8.5), Jordan (23 months), Bex (12 weeks). We are a blended family, his (Mia), Mine (Kiley), Ours (Bex and Jordan).

What is your favorite childhood memory:
My favorite memories from childhood are from Christmas. This was always a very special time for me growing up with my family and my siblings.

If you had a free vacation anywhere, where would you go?
I would love to visit some place in Europe. I hope one day I can travel to many different countries.

What is your favorite "waste of time?"
I waste a lot of time on Facebook! I do a lot of online shopping too because I don't get out of the house a lot these days.

What bit of advice or encouragement can you share with other moms in our group?
Oh my goodness... I feel like I'm the one that needs advice and encouragement right now! Keep calm and carry on. If anyone needs help getting their baby to sleep through the night (8-12 hours) I'm your girl. I've been successful with all of my babies by 6 weeks and have helped my sister and many of my friends achieve this goal. It's my only claim to fame! lol!

Mom of the Month!!

Dana Dabney



Kids

Jack-2years, Noah-5months

Most disliked chore on the household chore list?

I really, really dislike washing windows, so don't look outside when you're in my house.

Tell us about your first road trip in your first car.

Well, since my first car was a 1934 Chevy pickup I couldn't really go on any "road trips." Every ride was an adventure though, thats for sure! When I turned 16 my dad was fixing up the old truck and it was the only spare vehicle at the time, so my parents let me drive it. Nothing like going down the road seeing a 16 year old girl in an old man Hot Rod ;) The only problem was that my mom wouldn't let me drive in the rain because it didn't have windshield wipers.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Childbirth (no explanation needed).

Name 1 thing you miss about being a kid.

Growing up I lived in the country and I LOVED playing outside, I could be out there all day (everyday). My imagination would just run wild and I would have so much fun exploring without a care in the world. Sometimes when I look back, I really miss those days.

One piece of encouragement or advice to share with other moms.

My advice to moms is something that I have to remind myself of everyday. Be the same person at home as you are in public. In those moments when you've lost all of your patience and you know you're about ready to explode, try to calm yourself by thinking: "ok...what if other people could see me right now" (when in reality...your children ARE people and they are watching (and learning)). Scary, right? So, I always try to be the same person in the car on the WAY to church as the person who I am IN church (the key word is "try"). I don't always succeed, but that's my hearts desire.