tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51931481755008479832024-03-21T07:12:01.393-07:00The Adventures of Willow MomsWillow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-48921498028078966562010-02-19T08:08:00.000-08:002010-02-19T09:40:58.454-08:00Recipes from the Organic and Healthy Eating Variety Show<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Our Hostess for the day: Lydia Hol</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzwTMFsPiMX_fz9LDZAClRVmEKK0yzYXY0wO7Nf1CUSe_-JeaVkdSQ5_Q_oAraoptmbJK225q6jIUzrKAZpmBm0B6Yb3d5jns4msSKM1LYxUDLCsGci5kcZYRyjRg-JxLmkZ-PcfQ_oA/s1600-h/DSCN5535.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzwTMFsPiMX_fz9LDZAClRVmEKK0yzYXY0wO7Nf1CUSe_-JeaVkdSQ5_Q_oAraoptmbJK225q6jIUzrKAZpmBm0B6Yb3d5jns4msSKM1LYxUDLCsGci5kcZYRyjRg-JxLmkZ-PcfQ_oA/s400/DSCN5535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440004939674624466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Follow these tips for good nutrition:</span><br /></div><br />Avoid foods you have ingredients you can't pronounce.<br />Beware of low-fat and light foods.<br />Stick to the outside of the grocery store.<br />Buy grains in bulk.<br />Local produce is fresher and cheaper.<br />Always have a green veggie in your cart. You're more likely to eat it if you get it home.<br />Use fresh herbs.<br />Enjoy the simplicity of more plain foods.<br /><br />Avoid the dirty dozen of fruits and vegetables:<br />Peaches<br />Apples<br />Sweet bell peppers<br />Celery<br />Nectarines<br />Strawberries<br />Cherries<br />Lettuce<br />Grapes (imported)<br />Pears<br />Spinach<br />Potatoes<br /><br />Fun and fresh recipes:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Black- Eyed Pea Salad</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtcodf7ppFWAi1SGmR3Utk9wqBLNibV1XrK9dAposKTPptfMWVxxxPx_T3rHXpFInCH4tlRqhgkL_VTXsvHO1g4aIx40Y0Q6Ko8fZekvrZ3eq6XHxw-JfemSdEUQ2iWrem6oxjzxc2Yw/s1600-h/DSCN5536.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtcodf7ppFWAi1SGmR3Utk9wqBLNibV1XrK9dAposKTPptfMWVxxxPx_T3rHXpFInCH4tlRqhgkL_VTXsvHO1g4aIx40Y0Q6Ko8fZekvrZ3eq6XHxw-JfemSdEUQ2iWrem6oxjzxc2Yw/s400/DSCN5536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440004948618793906" border="0" /></a><br />1/2 t. fine sea salt<br />1 garlic clove, minced<br />1/4 c. rice wine vinegar<br />2 T. olive oil<br />1 t. ground cumin<br />3 c. chopped peeled tomato (about 2 large)<br />1/2 c. finely chopped onion<br />2 T. chopped fresh cilantro<br />1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained<br />1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced<br />1 (6 oz) bag baked pita chips<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgRdoNMwt3vKlglMlJlBBvWzl_CRnRXmI8LKT0HwSaM5EwqY2KWax6XSKfnfoXMnUzJWgbzMY84YQn_lDBhYZeWNwnPeqFT7Q380TjkZtgQLI1C-k8ryCI_-zX9mWvebVKSXKABS5b8A/s1600-h/DSCN5532.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgRdoNMwt3vKlglMlJlBBvWzl_CRnRXmI8LKT0HwSaM5EwqY2KWax6XSKfnfoXMnUzJWgbzMY84YQn_lDBhYZeWNwnPeqFT7Q380TjkZtgQLI1C-k8ryCI_-zX9mWvebVKSXKABS5b8A/s400/DSCN5532.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440003911776948274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yTwqn0rUeGlF35lSiCt-zuuZAYoWDK9HtouYjuaeQktSiOnyqf65dWen3H9R4wxSI02m5r1HU0ab6UjuKXsY8-unDS5dEj_lx4OKd1XVojhf5LCzkF11hJZrsxMG-ja4RU3ht-OHnD8/s1600-h/DSCN5534.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yTwqn0rUeGlF35lSiCt-zuuZAYoWDK9HtouYjuaeQktSiOnyqf65dWen3H9R4wxSI02m5r1HU0ab6UjuKXsY8-unDS5dEj_lx4OKd1XVojhf5LCzkF11hJZrsxMG-ja4RU3ht-OHnD8/s400/DSCN5534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440004926717735858" border="0" /></a>*Combine salt and garlic in medium bowl; mash with fork until paste consistency. Add vinegar, oil, and cumin, stirring with a whisk. Add tomato and next 4 ingredients (through pepper); toss well. Serve with pita chips.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Avocado Salsa</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB8TNAvGjmYXql4uxV47iFcewCZmGYsRF58bT-lMjRHVQud4cPA0xxNm33PxRfBy_y5mW4wXgJLCuLDKLu1b0W-7akzzsm00igH1B5kOQoJ4wtslTb8vg9pNRPiFiidhpajhnz66peHw/s1600-h/DSCN5537.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB8TNAvGjmYXql4uxV47iFcewCZmGYsRF58bT-lMjRHVQud4cPA0xxNm33PxRfBy_y5mW4wXgJLCuLDKLu1b0W-7akzzsm00igH1B5kOQoJ4wtslTb8vg9pNRPiFiidhpajhnz66peHw/s400/DSCN5537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440004960691171506" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />1 finely chopped medium red onion<br />2 diced avocado (pick avocados that are about as firm as the palm of your hand)<br />1 T. fresh lime juice (more if you really like lime...like I do)<br /><br />*Mix all of the ingredients together and voila!! Serve with Organic Blue Corn Chips<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Healthy Eating Poem<br />By Lydia Hol<br /><br />Healthy eating is where it's at,<br />It's time to stop poisoning your body with unhealthy crap,<br />Strive to buy organic and antibiotic free meat and definitely don't buy SPAM,<br />Fresh is better than frozen and frozen is better than canned,<br />Do most of your shopping in the outside aisles,<br />It will keep you safe from processed, trans fat filled MSG laden food and all things vile,<br />Buy your grains, trail mixes and beans in bulk,<br />It will be fun for your kids and your budget won't sulk,<br />Remember, local produce is cheaper and fresher,<br />I don't want you to feel overwhelmed, mad, and under lots of pressure,<br />It might be best to go organic with foods you eat most.<br />Because pesticide riddled produce and long shelf life foods is something about which your cart shouldn't boast,<br />Try drinking water instead of pop, sugar filled juices, and diet soda,<br />Because refined sugar and artificial sweeteners just aren't a good idea,<br />Try making old recipes with healthier ingredients,<br />Your kids will love it and think you are an awesome parent,<br />Don't be overwhelmed and feel like you need to buy all new groceries,<br />Just slowly replace out of stock items with healthier, better choiceys!<br /></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-57926160458280532092010-01-05T08:35:00.000-08:002010-01-05T09:01:04.558-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8ZZCk42P6trIYZjgfDR3_yHR-faYdS66lXLp-QoxNviilj-lRKK7mC_sZRdunzXJIzwUdubg6EpE4NPNJRLBTgZ5Hpv9Qw6W20VLo8Tq8SDti7uBeelpWVDqUSBv7pgDSpSbb-SlY4U/s1600-h/jet-pack.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8ZZCk42P6trIYZjgfDR3_yHR-faYdS66lXLp-QoxNviilj-lRKK7mC_sZRdunzXJIzwUdubg6EpE4NPNJRLBTgZ5Hpv9Qw6W20VLo8Tq8SDti7uBeelpWVDqUSBv7pgDSpSbb-SlY4U/s400/jet-pack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423296527716861714" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">JET PACK - What fuels you?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:70%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Start the new year with healthy tips and ideas<br />from our Hy-Vee Dietitian.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">Friday, January 15<br />9:30 to 11:15<br /><br />Bring a friend!<br /></span></span></span></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-39329226283033617542009-12-15T08:09:00.000-08:002009-12-15T08:38:15.010-08:00MOPS CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMTfIyCpzsvRcD4_Gm4hyd449OnFRCuIvrGB7FKqviaTBCxqkoI58HrHfS0aXD2PyvPiwDfq6nWaz5-UZneAzrp_AjKf5HUAsfA2lb0VlxIH1_xL2m7p-EOYIrKR9UPkFORZKz7vGLco/s1600-h/christmas-gifts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMTfIyCpzsvRcD4_Gm4hyd449OnFRCuIvrGB7FKqviaTBCxqkoI58HrHfS0aXD2PyvPiwDfq6nWaz5-UZneAzrp_AjKf5HUAsfA2lb0VlxIH1_xL2m7p-EOYIrKR9UPkFORZKz7vGLco/s400/christmas-gifts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415503061349701762" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This Friday<br />MOPS will be celebrating CHRISTMAS<br />with<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">THE BIG<br />TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS<br />GIVEAWAY!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">See you there!</span><br /></span></span></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-48448292446411904182009-11-17T11:56:00.000-08:002009-11-17T12:05:58.075-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AlObRo0dH9SS1l9C5BI6uVMQYQoqSk0m7bmabydZHpFPCAUYGUdzStY1HzNktlMq8RCfV2cLosq3b2xUZYMoweTos3wuk5X44ydNP5sKdTOqM7VdLpfv2jBhWBRBpAPBJaMNZsQ3H9o/s1600/ufo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AlObRo0dH9SS1l9C5BI6uVMQYQoqSk0m7bmabydZHpFPCAUYGUdzStY1HzNktlMq8RCfV2cLosq3b2xUZYMoweTos3wuk5X44ydNP5sKdTOqM7VdLpfv2jBhWBRBpAPBJaMNZsQ3H9o/s400/ufo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405165877199548098" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">UFO's are coming to MOPS<br />this Friday!<br /><br />Bring your UnFinished Objects<br />for an morning dedicated to finishing projects without the help of little hands!<br />Bring your baby's book, scrapbooks, Christmas cards, or even laptops! <br />The church has wifi ready to go!<br />See there you!!!<br /></span></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-66923865394151906362009-11-01T19:48:00.000-08:002009-11-01T19:56:31.358-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF5Z-HhdzCVdQBxrurS3ai98vCsecvKIbZjLBN5XCvUD1Vy92pK17dnxZmXepuDyZN2iB8WCz2PsNHFIEnqyk08MovN7DF3kc5_cQNEzxTOOzVBul7h9-ztlqMaON4BErj-drDiT0MXs/s1600-h/police_officer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF5Z-HhdzCVdQBxrurS3ai98vCsecvKIbZjLBN5XCvUD1Vy92pK17dnxZmXepuDyZN2iB8WCz2PsNHFIEnqyk08MovN7DF3kc5_cQNEzxTOOzVBul7h9-ztlqMaON4BErj-drDiT0MXs/s400/police_officer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399349680890051250" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">This Friday, a West Des Moines Police Officer will be speaking to our group on safety. It will be a very special, informational meeting that you won't want to miss!<br /><br />If you have any questions that you would like to ask the Police Officer, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks!<br /><br />See you on Friday! <br />Be sure to invite a friend!<br /></span></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-4826198594290947202009-10-14T14:31:00.000-07:002009-10-14T14:36:12.782-07:00MOPS on Friday...smell those pies!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3fNdz-TezzW6UP1gEKkBaKSiW-kdOIHyrJlB0nPL7wUJrx5QNHIeL2W7JpFBqgrfIgr4teMj9cWnD4oIdE7p1tfXhlNVBg7mVPgODUcOgEZ0GPtLXoSwxcLHjZF7c1bkLPR0uPPcCl0/s1600-h/pies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3fNdz-TezzW6UP1gEKkBaKSiW-kdOIHyrJlB0nPL7wUJrx5QNHIeL2W7JpFBqgrfIgr4teMj9cWnD4oIdE7p1tfXhlNVBg7mVPgODUcOgEZ0GPtLXoSwxcLHjZF7c1bkLPR0uPPcCl0/s400/pies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392571883130625154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">All right, fall is here<br />and that can only mean one thing<br />for my kitchen:<br />it's APPLE time!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">We love to go to the apple orchard<br />and load up on those beautiful fresh red apples!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br />Apple pies,<br />apple bread,<br />apple crisp,<br />applesauce,<br />apple butter...<br />...we love it all!</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What's your favorite fall treat?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Leave a comment and<br />win a prize on Friday at MOPS!</span></span><br /></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-80964008328799206602009-10-12T17:29:00.000-07:002009-10-12T17:32:23.482-07:00PLAY DATE CANCELED<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The play date that was scheduled for<br />Wednesday, October 14 with the trip to<br />Harvest Barn Marketplace in Osceola<br />has been <span style="font-style: italic;">canceled </span>due to an unfavorable forecast.<br />Sorry! We'll plan to play again very soon!<br /></span></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-51496313083199949932009-10-06T13:00:00.000-07:002009-10-06T13:02:15.905-07:00MOPS Playdate<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Meet us tomorrow morning </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">at 10:00 for a </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">MOPS Playdate at </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Raccoon River Park. </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Come to play and bring a sack lunch. </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stay as long as you can and dress warm!</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">2500 Grand Avenue</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">West Des Moines</span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">See you there!</span></span></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-61954715291523876852009-09-18T19:41:00.001-07:002009-09-18T19:45:07.418-07:00Things you just can't believe you said...<span style="font-weight: bold;">1. "Well, </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> think it's cold, so</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> you</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> have to wear a coat."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. "Yay! You made a poopy-poopy!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. "The dentist is your friend."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. "We're big fans of </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Bob the Builder</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> in our house."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. "Sweetie, you don't need to lick the cat to give her a bath. She licks herself."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. "No, I love </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">you</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> more. Up to the sky a trillion zillion quadrillion and one times. So there."</span><br /><br />What have you said that you just can't believe you said<span style="font-style: italic;"> that</span> as a mom? <br />Leave a comment and win a prize at our next MOPS meeting!Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-37607326898164174912009-09-14T19:34:00.000-07:002009-09-14T19:36:06.923-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbgzVOCJxBrvzZSQ4CGWb4jCPrnF_I2JpzerSeub8xbB5Ns7t5ENAbTg99U2jFEwwwb2iaI9f9yrAflDMfkW3k8k7qxgwNbvkV_JYjfcyFbxinmB4X7hmc8xvA81g4804t5r4giEPSQw/s1600-h/back+of+card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbgzVOCJxBrvzZSQ4CGWb4jCPrnF_I2JpzerSeub8xbB5Ns7t5ENAbTg99U2jFEwwwb2iaI9f9yrAflDMfkW3k8k7qxgwNbvkV_JYjfcyFbxinmB4X7hmc8xvA81g4804t5r4giEPSQw/s400/back+of+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381517157445457154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">MOMS: Your ship is landing.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">THIS Friday</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9:30 - 11:15 am</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BE THERE!</span></span><br /></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-16664332936776455362009-08-25T08:25:00.000-07:002009-08-25T08:33:56.603-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6ZWiwNYsI7QluFxtpxD2uE0uBy2wQqu1SqL5SZyhz6g7dFb3m_Po5JwG5ci_BsvOg0qI_ZHoJDkl_pqsQcy7XyAU3_d7sXEcoMPQDrTsN4uofkR7wIW7Pd2MOfIckzkizoa4dvOdyo0/s1600-h/MOPS+Postcard.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6ZWiwNYsI7QluFxtpxD2uE0uBy2wQqu1SqL5SZyhz6g7dFb3m_Po5JwG5ci_BsvOg0qI_ZHoJDkl_pqsQcy7XyAU3_d7sXEcoMPQDrTsN4uofkR7wIW7Pd2MOfIckzkizoa4dvOdyo0/s320/MOPS+Postcard.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373923038915718626" border="0" /></a>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-49099116419871697942009-04-16T13:10:00.000-07:002009-04-16T13:21:03.969-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;">It's a </span></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;">Cleaning Carnival!</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG758H_oxxFgBe9kPFbGQQhBEH_b1WOH45YURdnFXIvc_rJmCfBuHw8CkJETnwpRGciGHcCxN3yup4fMxAcfEFepv8Oob5IV3jvYpwd1y5ma5kYiJBWID0xfG9kixSyN6qfTJ5LE_QcYQ/s1600-h/CleaningCartoon2Trans225x225.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG758H_oxxFgBe9kPFbGQQhBEH_b1WOH45YURdnFXIvc_rJmCfBuHw8CkJETnwpRGciGHcCxN3yup4fMxAcfEFepv8Oob5IV3jvYpwd1y5ma5kYiJBWID0xfG9kixSyN6qfTJ5LE_QcYQ/s320/CleaningCartoon2Trans225x225.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325384387991108098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Tired of being suffocated by fumes </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">every time you clean the bathroom?<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">Want easy tips for cleaning out </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">closets and having a garage sale?<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Need to be able to see out those </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">streaky windows to watch the kids?<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Dust bunnies taking over your home?<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Guests coming over and you need </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">your home to sparkle?<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Really wish you could just hire a maid<br />to clean up those cheerios<br />that were just spilled for the 100th time?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">We've got help for you!</span><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Come to MOPS tomorrow and hear great infomercials from other moms would have come up with great solutions for cleaning and organizing! We will have TONS of give-aways and every mom will take home their own special homemade, non-toxic cleaners!<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">9:30 am to 11:15 am<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Fireside Room at Willow Creek Baptist Church<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">See you there!</span></span><br /></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-302541641989826962009-03-26T13:39:00.000-07:002009-03-26T13:46:06.579-07:00<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Don't miss the next MOPS!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">It's a Garden Fest!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Friday, April 3</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">9:30 am to 11:15 am</span><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxWsN8GJyrTk2sMtIsZnCxqyGTypriXe3dnpLvlAZn9vYiwqK3WKxFdgeEs4_QiBpOgRCPxW9ghpLeHO_qFkqAhvoZwk2Za64lKtTjYC8uj7iLZ-Bj93gKuClaUlrrlFifyfnTBb24f4/s1600-h/gardening-supplies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxWsN8GJyrTk2sMtIsZnCxqyGTypriXe3dnpLvlAZn9vYiwqK3WKxFdgeEs4_QiBpOgRCPxW9ghpLeHO_qFkqAhvoZwk2Za64lKtTjYC8uj7iLZ-Bj93gKuClaUlrrlFifyfnTBb24f4/s320/gardening-supplies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317599989987078450" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">A local gardening professional will be giving us tips for success with plants! <br />Whether you're a seasoned gardener or you're wanting to give gardening a try,<br />you won't want to miss out on this fun and educational MOPS meeting!</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Of course, we'll have plenty of great give-aways and treats! </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">See you there!</span></span><br /></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-90444310148229667222009-02-17T10:08:00.000-08:002009-02-17T10:11:45.366-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >You are invited to a special Ladies Night Out<br />on Tuesday, February 24 at 6:30 pm.</span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Along with other ladies from Willow Creek, </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" ><br />we will be making baby blankets for the<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.awcdesmoines.org/">Alpha Women’s Center</a>,<br />a crisis pregnancy center on the<br />south side of Des Moines.</span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Each lady needs to bring at least 2 pieces of<br />1 to 1 1/2 yards of coordinating fleece pieces for a blanket. Extra pieces will be available if needed.</span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >We will meet in the fireside room, and soup and desserts will be provided.</span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Last year over 50 blankets were made!<br />Hope you can join us for </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >this fun night!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37j-2mgnsN0-6WdMAoXdkPpiMc2PTh-hSF9lTKrgoqKLPyeRaWKtzUXs0IRitCc7r7xkbh4S-oJhUXGZdP_ji-6C3sPXNk5Mkg9U6FE1RQJkp48BnpfzvCBmjobgimeHK3mX8v8AIj-E/s1600-h/fleeceblankets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37j-2mgnsN0-6WdMAoXdkPpiMc2PTh-hSF9lTKrgoqKLPyeRaWKtzUXs0IRitCc7r7xkbh4S-oJhUXGZdP_ji-6C3sPXNk5Mkg9U6FE1RQJkp48BnpfzvCBmjobgimeHK3mX8v8AIj-E/s320/fleeceblankets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303828671356795890" border="0" /></a></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-77446914017136770802009-02-17T09:59:00.000-08:002009-02-17T10:08:16.516-08:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Discovering the challenges of being a mom? <br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Have some questions that need an answer? </span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't miss MOPS this Friday!</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" ><br />We have a super panel of well-seasoned moms that wi</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" >ll be on hand to answer our questions and give us gu</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" >idance on handling these gro</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" >wing up years with our children!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOac_7K3DS9idVxk12Wyp0RhEzh7TquEP5QqgFOORromyLsq0ZWePp-aM_0Ds6C7MkS0BfXpBRwm6yTU6DTOk1dNxWZaglxgnGxv9Hlm5a9DgPeaamvbS6omf-pkSkv71tSEUGyGZdZE0/s1600-h/938-038~Moms-Posters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOac_7K3DS9idVxk12Wyp0RhEzh7TquEP5QqgFOORromyLsq0ZWePp-aM_0Ds6C7MkS0BfXpBRwm6yTU6DTOk1dNxWZaglxgnGxv9Hlm5a9DgPeaamvbS6omf-pkSkv71tSEUGyGZdZE0/s320/938-038~Moms-Posters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303828674131173650" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" >If you have an questions that immediately come to mind</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" >, please</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" > feel free to email them to Londa at londacrigger@gmail.com. You can al</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" >so leave a question in the comment section of this blog. Please indicate if the questions are confidential in nature and we will be sure to keep your identity anonymous.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" >See you Friday!</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-19412796097853226022009-01-24T19:26:00.000-08:002009-01-24T19:36:27.485-08:00The Adventure Continues...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;font-size:180%;" >Join us at MOPS on<br />Friday, February 6 at 9:30 am<br /><br />Barb Reynolds will be giving us advice<br />on how we can keep our marriage<br />as blissful as being on a romantic ride...<br />The Tunnel of Love! <br /><br />Has your Loveboat sprung a leak? <br />Then come, be encouraged! <br /><br />We look forward to seeing you soon!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jbSSggjMh01Eu663vExG7D3DtdWIK3rsSu1pmxDRe4efqWtnSDmp-tHXJ2BdMJz_7p2wB-odJb0INKGY-YN_4hGemnAvMHX9WUr1MYhfLKWEV-nqhx6dTt0ziiFBUDpzuQCTc_6nXGU/s1600-h/tunnel-of-love-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jbSSggjMh01Eu663vExG7D3DtdWIK3rsSu1pmxDRe4efqWtnSDmp-tHXJ2BdMJz_7p2wB-odJb0INKGY-YN_4hGemnAvMHX9WUr1MYhfLKWEV-nqhx6dTt0ziiFBUDpzuQCTc_6nXGU/s320/tunnel-of-love-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295067868114745058" border="0" /></a></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-67404344929195545882008-12-19T05:42:00.000-08:002008-12-19T05:43:27.972-08:00<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" >MOPS IS CANCELED TODAY DUE TO THE WEATHER.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" >WE'VE RESCHEDULED THIS FUN DAY FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 16.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" >MERRY CHRISTMAS!</span><br /></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-19735212167994259672008-12-17T08:20:00.000-08:002008-12-17T08:29:27.503-08:00MOPS Merry Go Round Christmas Party!<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:6;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Brrrrr!!! The weather has gotten <i>so</i> cold, but this Friday,<br />MOPS is going to be <i>hot</i></span></span><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><i>, hot, hot</i>!</span></span><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:6;" >Don't miss the Merry Go Round MOPS Christmas Party!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4vn3Fuw3A481qkfcaVWI6K47xWIVjVsahDHbfHmGDFn0UMxUusVYzJmAf0AzKWs4fjs9tBHh91BIH_oEHEVk89I_l2Or1njdrDqefJX77UhqMxwgrjPBCBoI3YrYrghzqr27Gjsgh6I/s1600-h/mom+shopping.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4vn3Fuw3A481qkfcaVWI6K47xWIVjVsahDHbfHmGDFn0UMxUusVYzJmAf0AzKWs4fjs9tBHh91BIH_oEHEVk89I_l2Or1njdrDqefJX77UhqMxwgrjPBCBoI3YrYrghzqr27Gjsgh6I/s320/mom+shopping.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280795739197077762" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">There will be hilarious games, marvelous door prizes, delicious food,<br /> and a beautiful gift for <i>everyone</i>!<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:6;" ><div class="Ih2E3d">PLUS, we know how much moms love to shop...<br /> </div><b>so we're bringing some shopping to you!</b></span><span style="font-size:6;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR38IF4G33ZDqB29S0-69oXadZtOIIdDgHovHSAsl76ctith_HeDf2avWqhbQMWydBaoiT1NLSmlxR3wEppBH4Rbm3kGaX3mfvTMoTHqAv_a0vYO8T3k4q08-8Uiz5maDv53c3_uto7Oo/s1600-h/mom+cropped+shopping.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR38IF4G33ZDqB29S0-69oXadZtOIIdDgHovHSAsl76ctith_HeDf2avWqhbQMWydBaoiT1NLSmlxR3wEppBH4Rbm3kGaX3mfvTMoTHqAv_a0vYO8T3k4q08-8Uiz5maDv53c3_uto7Oo/s320/mom+cropped+shopping.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280795008968677170" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Several vendors, artists, and crafters will have tables set up in the gym for you to complete any last minute shopping needs OR buy yourself a great Christmas gift!</span><br /> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">The MOPS Ch</span></span></span><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">ristmas Par</span></span></span><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">ty will kick off at our regular time--9:30 am and last until 11:15 am.<br /> </span></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Hope to see you there!</span></span>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-88960405805294501702008-12-10T17:28:00.000-08:002008-12-10T17:41:44.655-08:00Baby Wipe Container DIY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YaJ-RBgjhcfvo9ndopE3JLnRrJNvFStse5m4dlIy3ur6W65Yg773h8Zt57PikSz1JDSsFGbqfGaDKAQjHl9UF9xD3dv7sYNBi0O30YBXXyMiuuO80RK1YzJ7e5kZsYEsPsqiqggBv-8/s400/wipecontainers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YaJ-RBgjhcfvo9ndopE3JLnRrJNvFStse5m4dlIy3ur6W65Yg773h8Zt57PikSz1JDSsFGbqfGaDKAQjHl9UF9xD3dv7sYNBi0O30YBXXyMiuuO80RK1YzJ7e5kZsYEsPsqiqggBv-8/s400/wipecontainers.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here are the directions for the craft we made this past Friday. They all turned out super cute! It's a great gift idea and is also very inexpensive. I know I plan on making this for all the baby showers I go to in the future!<br /><br />The only places I found the travel sized baby wipe containers were at Wal-Mart (and they are usually all gone!) and Babies R Us and the price is around $1.40 per one. The trim we used (like the kind in the picture above) I found at Hancock and JoAnn Fabrics. The prices range from $.60 to $1.50 per yard and you need about a yard and half per container (though measure before since there are different sized containers). You could also use ribbon for the trim. I noticed that a nice thick fabric worked better and you don't need very much at all.<br /><br />I cut 2 rectangles out of the fabric and hot glued them to the top and bottom of the container, leaving about an inch or two extra along the sides. Once I had it glued, I trimmed the excess off, leaving enough to at least cover the curve of the container and then some...just keep in mind the width of your trim. Don't glue the fabric all the way up to the edge because it will get too bulky. Then hot glue the edges of the fabric all the way around the container. Take your trim and, starting in the back, hot glue all the way around keeping it right next to the edge of the container. Be careful not to get too close to the edge of the container or you may have troubles opening and closing it. If you do use trim like the picture instead of ribbon, it frays very easily, so when you finsh gluing it in the back, I put a thin line of glue on the very edge to seal it off. Be careful not to smooth out the glue or touch it because it will start to fray and make a big mess! <br /><br />That's all there is to it! Of course, it would be really cute to add little embelishments like buttons, flowers, or the child's name. If you have any questions on the process, just leave a comment and I'll get back to you. It's a really simple project, but kind of hard to explain. Your first one may not turn out perfect, but you'll get an idea of how to do it and the next ones you do are a lot easier and look even better.<br /><br />Have fun!Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-74980088215185834902008-11-22T09:13:00.000-08:002008-11-22T09:20:23.065-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS-wTfCIFkrCp2oKEgWEDFESlkxGzO5HEceFKsZnn_iwNABkpY2czXmj4PLpZq71jKyRY4CJtiUOH4ZzfOL-bOBfwFQNuPFHIVE3ZfRj-Zu9z1Y41zv5tP0TfX6PHBZiXrA1wZ6yIqgI/s1600-h/Girl+having+tea.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS-wTfCIFkrCp2oKEgWEDFESlkxGzO5HEceFKsZnn_iwNABkpY2czXmj4PLpZq71jKyRY4CJtiUOH4ZzfOL-bOBfwFQNuPFHIVE3ZfRj-Zu9z1Y41zv5tP0TfX6PHBZiXrA1wZ6yIqgI/s400/Girl+having+tea.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271531637758987778" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Only A Mom Would Know<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me.<br />I was maybe 2 </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >1/2 years old and had just recovered from an accident.<br />Someone had given </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was one of my favorite</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > toys.<br />Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which was just water.<br />After several </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.<br />My </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea,</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > because it was 'just the cutest thing!'<br />My Mom waited, and sure enough,</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy.<br />She watches </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >him drink it up.<br />Then she says, as only a mother would know, "Did</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >the toilet?" </span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:10;"> </span></span></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-84553254286297461762008-11-14T19:43:00.000-08:002008-11-14T19:54:19.436-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YaJ-RBgjhcfvo9ndopE3JLnRrJNvFStse5m4dlIy3ur6W65Yg773h8Zt57PikSz1JDSsFGbqfGaDKAQjHl9UF9xD3dv7sYNBi0O30YBXXyMiuuO80RK1YzJ7e5kZsYEsPsqiqggBv-8/s1600-h/wipecontainers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YaJ-RBgjhcfvo9ndopE3JLnRrJNvFStse5m4dlIy3ur6W65Yg773h8Zt57PikSz1JDSsFGbqfGaDKAQjHl9UF9xD3dv7sYNBi0O30YBXXyMiuuO80RK1YzJ7e5kZsYEsPsqiqggBv-8/s400/wipecontainers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268727464013547618" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's Craft Time!</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" >Take a trip with us to the souvenir shop as we create fun wipes containers! </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" >We'll also have several great examples on display of other crafts that will make perfect Christmas presents! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Don't miss out!</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br />Friday, December 5</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >9:30 am to 11:15 am</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Bring a friend!</span><br /></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-26327978576868234362008-11-14T19:15:00.000-08:002008-11-14T19:43:02.012-08:00Fuel for the Daily Adventure<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>At our latest MOPS meeting, we had a great time with Lydia demonstrating how to make homemade granola. Here's the recipe to this wonderful snack we got to enjoy!<br /><br />Lydia's Homemade Granola Recipe:<br />2 c. rolled oats (not instant)<br />1 c. peanuts or toasted almonds<br />1/4 c. sesame seeds<br />1/2 c. toasted sunflower seeds<br />1/2 c. coconut<br />1/4 c. toasted wheat germ (not necessary all the time)<br />1/4 c. cooking oil (use a flavorless oil like canola or vegetable)<br />1/2 c. honey (use honey from a local farm)<br />1/2 c. raisins or craisins<br />1/2 c. dried fruit of your choice<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98u951-KTnGGr9AqNbYclIJMhEQLiF7Q257rYu4nDehcUEqf1PZZ9JpkK4WWztr_VLUTaXjpv6ks2fCaoTHpeI2NdPkrcr2gL2N7Kk94jvCrLXvg-eB1E533ieHH8xzubQd3NBxuQiTA/s1600-h/granola2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98u951-KTnGGr9AqNbYclIJMhEQLiF7Q257rYu4nDehcUEqf1PZZ9JpkK4WWztr_VLUTaXjpv6ks2fCaoTHpeI2NdPkrcr2gL2N7Kk94jvCrLXvg-eB1E533ieHH8xzubQd3NBxuQiTA/s400/granola2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268719021611700594" border="0" /></a><br />Mix the oats, nuts, and grains in a large bowl. Measure oil into the measuring cup and swirl it around before pouring into bowl. Then measure out the honey in the same, unwashed cup. The oil will help the honey exit the cup. Toss everything together until evenly coated and then pour out into a baking pan. I use a large roasting pan as it keeps everything contained. A cookie sheet with a lip also works, but you have to stir it slightly more carefully if you use a shallow pan. Bake at 3o0 degrees for 30 minutes, turning it with a spatula every ten minutes or so. You want everything to be golden brown. When granola is finished baking, return the baked granola to the mixing bowl, add the raisins and fruit and stir to combine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3Cfof96WmZYM4zUWOWt5WZhmUuYuHwX1C0Y6dNqNBNNrh8heEoEPKKcYhnEjiQzrbtx0jOYuPJVTXs9USOtg24o9oG2PTi4FdYJZGt7tE-It7XaIxwGm-eEykJsTxX5BPubr4VSEy0Y/s1600-h/granola3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3Cfof96WmZYM4zUWOWt5WZhmUuYuHwX1C0Y6dNqNBNNrh8heEoEPKKcYhnEjiQzrbtx0jOYuPJVTXs9USOtg24o9oG2PTi4FdYJZGt7tE-It7XaIxwGm-eEykJsTxX5BPubr4VSEy0Y/s400/granola3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268719030475318674" border="0" /></a><br />Random tips for great granola:<br />*Don't use quick oats! Quick oats make granola cluster better but your granola will taste of raw starch. Old fashioned oats will make your granola nice crisp and golden.<br />*Bake at a low temperature. This helps the cereal to crisp up and brown thoroughly and evenly. The key is to cook granola until it is an impressive golden brown.<br />*Just a pinch of salt brings out the grains flavors.<br />*Always add the fruit at the end or in the middle. This will help the cereal not to get soggy.<br />*Raisins burn easily. Add after baking!<br /><br />Granola is great eaten with yogurt or your favorite cereal. It can also be given away as gifts (perfect for a hostess gift) or used as a bedtime snack for kids.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi61kpiAmgyVDSEq3SCe0Z1QPoFc_HVEOH2IgHXd1J3-nD34aAcr0ECdQkFZ8tLgjnea44bN9x5aQx0qdttmML6l7fUClo2VnYeGOIupSmg_vsgMVFpWBl59swHvFl-IR04oUOapMKAc/s1600-h/granola.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi61kpiAmgyVDSEq3SCe0Z1QPoFc_HVEOH2IgHXd1J3-nD34aAcr0ECdQkFZ8tLgjnea44bN9x5aQx0qdttmML6l7fUClo2VnYeGOIupSmg_vsgMVFpWBl59swHvFl-IR04oUOapMKAc/s400/granola.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268719041366311202" border="0" /></a>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-53157709555711549822008-10-27T18:32:00.000-07:002008-10-27T18:38:55.922-07:00Daddy's Gonna Eat Your Fingers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG5ZW4GbF6-zUppLPLxAF0B8-O3GAATFkfw9fGGmDlqf1tvgRW1nEsVBQckaz-UGOfao8RihJmWMhhEAe30N6opSSZndPJgHbNLWiIOXsj4GGcvlDEL7pNOpYg9yh1y7UoCfYcFRiCAQ/s1600-h/kids_baby-hands.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG5ZW4GbF6-zUppLPLxAF0B8-O3GAATFkfw9fGGmDlqf1tvgRW1nEsVBQckaz-UGOfao8RihJmWMhhEAe30N6opSSZndPJgHbNLWiIOXsj4GGcvlDEL7pNOpYg9yh1y7UoCfYcFRiCAQ/s400/kids_baby-hands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262012603043647810" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;">I was packing for my business trip and my three year old daughter was having a wonderful time playing on the bed.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;">At one point she said, "Daddy, look at this" and stuck out two of her fingers. </span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Trying to keep her entertained, I reached out and stuck her tiny fingers in my mouth and said, "Daddy's gonna eat your fingers" pretending to eat them. </span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;">I went back to packing, looked up again and my daughter was standing on the bed staring at her fingers with a devastated look on her face. </span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;">I said, "What's wrong, honey?" </span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;">She replied, "What happened to my booger?"</span></p>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-81147667474197356612008-10-22T13:16:00.000-07:002008-10-22T13:33:29.131-07:00Power Couples<span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Did you know that eating specific pairings of healthy foods can make them even more nutritious? Some vitamins and mineral feed off of others, letting your child absorb more. Serve up these super combos.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQMqBniAMSy11n1oTIm6_9zmTNuCd4u6G4npuNZ_PKKFJ0VhdHZKrSrRHdkK-BfzuweJqTZ_uNKHXnKM_woqjoCCD-qpjo3qO7BKWpzv-h4B7FUVjOjARTr5QLwG4BTqW9zedLnRNtMg/s1600-h/naked-strawberries.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQMqBniAMSy11n1oTIm6_9zmTNuCd4u6G4npuNZ_PKKFJ0VhdHZKrSrRHdkK-BfzuweJqTZ_uNKHXnKM_woqjoCCD-qpjo3qO7BKWpzv-h4B7FUVjOjARTr5QLwG4BTqW9zedLnRNtMg/s400/naked-strawberries.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260075125056374994" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Strawberries and Whole Wheat Toast</span><br />The vitamin C in strawberries converts the iron in whole-wheat bread to a form that cells can absorb.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6bbEHafklPItQqOE8Fhwn2g1HBV1asqMjUwtrU1MhO9BA8hekFdZT5p04spZn_ZG4_dvj_dl57rHzL7O92C8CkQq1xFeKy20EakBqN4aIOV7PeJeMo1ZIpoN9LF9IXB0bAILzgvktEk/s1600-h/oatmeal-772938.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6bbEHafklPItQqOE8Fhwn2g1HBV1asqMjUwtrU1MhO9BA8hekFdZT5p04spZn_ZG4_dvj_dl57rHzL7O92C8CkQq1xFeKy20EakBqN4aIOV7PeJeMo1ZIpoN9LF9IXB0bAILzgvktEk/s400/oatmeal-772938.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260075142212355298" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" >Oatmeal and Milk</span><br />The magnesium in oats increases the amount of calcium your child gets from the milk by keeping it from binding to fiber and other nutrients.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc28MfPwq_ES-ZA7-YDtYOMgwf0O2NK8YPOHhy2Wd1KfPiY4J4X2F0R4B_3AVr9kijfJSjtdeJbMWksTzD2zzYNEaaExURJ1FlRT8zQeuEZF-hb3kxK4laRt2c_1hKD96MfSHtb72ysKM/s1600-h/broccoli(3).jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc28MfPwq_ES-ZA7-YDtYOMgwf0O2NK8YPOHhy2Wd1KfPiY4J4X2F0R4B_3AVr9kijfJSjtdeJbMWksTzD2zzYNEaaExURJ1FlRT8zQeuEZF-hb3kxK4laRt2c_1hKD96MfSHtb72ysKM/s400/broccoli(3).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260075165681045554" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Olive Oil and Veggies</span><br />Spritz spinach, green peppers, squash, and dark greens with olive oil. This healthy fat helps your child absorb the veggies' antioxidants.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sYuUIPS2icLkoCFpZ3-BtJFRhMcVviBVEt2QIHuew_mIZ4-r3YhCDAn2GeAn6YT8oOG-8D08MzoIL8TdKfEOHnQj2HWr07haudumkAsbzDdHANtlqoxLTcUSTfpTG843w_r9nJJhFF8/s1600-h/chicken.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sYuUIPS2icLkoCFpZ3-BtJFRhMcVviBVEt2QIHuew_mIZ4-r3YhCDAn2GeAn6YT8oOG-8D08MzoIL8TdKfEOHnQj2HWr07haudumkAsbzDdHANtlqoxLTcUSTfpTG843w_r9nJJhFF8/s400/chicken.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260078508651465394" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Chicken and Carrots</span><br />Don't save chicken soup for sick days -- and always include carrots. The zinc in chicken helps the body metabolize the carrots' vitamin A.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzYmAd7VKzDOu_ru6QtwypT5V-Ekd_T1Gmosp_ohaBvrOGnWJ6bQ5BdyirTGjlgkTLD5odw8LLQ8QnA1tvXztGnhPRHnDbUYVXltXZYpCEQ8CVB5Q9veZ4nkKEdNx0lDHXVAPdm6vFPk/s1600-h/chicken.JPG"> </a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">**Taken from Parents / October 2008</span><br /></div></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193148175500847983.post-43567420945923288682008-10-18T07:51:00.000-07:002008-10-18T08:11:58.092-07:00Fuel for the Daily Adventure<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Being a natural in the kitchen and having a drive to eat healthy makes our next speaker a natural fit for our next adventure: healthy snacks! </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd7E7QMHDo4ed0TG_hiEJYpJE_Jat4dkAQiXczeuHELg99SOqCOgOBM_6nqmTKBjYBvGKwnvQpIDQwRkDThO-nEiGK8k_c_eZISWNm0ZZVKhdURn_W1-T-2jQ9fMcpXc4BPqqSjMiyUs/s1600-h/Lydia.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd7E7QMHDo4ed0TG_hiEJYpJE_Jat4dkAQiXczeuHELg99SOqCOgOBM_6nqmTKBjYBvGKwnvQpIDQwRkDThO-nEiGK8k_c_eZISWNm0ZZVKhdURn_W1-T-2jQ9fMcpXc4BPqqSjMiyUs/s400/Lydia.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258511155007696194" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Lydia Hol will be giving us tips and demonstrating recipes for healthy snacks </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >that our kids will love! </span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlV4S6Z36_O3XyAbbESUCBH5saojobaCpNUEgxe_EwV7XgQzgLJt85WosSVTLeZahW3Uj3BQYCj1Qyomw31W2qk0XOIXUJ90mZ0hWrmF7m9oGw9Vn87nVJHRYbplgxxcPigu96WkRVng0/s1600-h/granola.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlV4S6Z36_O3XyAbbESUCBH5saojobaCpNUEgxe_EwV7XgQzgLJt85WosSVTLeZahW3Uj3BQYCj1Qyomw31W2qk0XOIXUJ90mZ0hWrmF7m9oGw9Vn87nVJHRYbplgxxcPigu96WkRVng0/s400/granola.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258509003971501410" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">Don't miss the next MOPS:<br />Friday, November 7<br />9:30 to 11:15 am.</span></span><br /></div>Willow Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808588558617086517noreply@blogger.com0