First Meeting Recap

Well, it is official...we have had our first meeting and it was awesome!!  I left with a full heart and feeling so excited about the coming year.  We had 17 people attend the first meeting, which was amazing...I was going to be happy if 3 or 4 people came, so it was way beyond my expectations!

Enjoying fellowship before the meeting!

We spent the first meeting introducing ourselves, sharing about our kids and our work and what we all wanted out of the MOPS group.  Here is a quick re-cap:

We had 14 MOPS moms at our meeting, 2 mentor moms, and 1 guest (my mom was there for moral support for the first meeting).  Our group is made up of several teachers, business women, and stay at home mommies...we have a great mix!

We enjoyed light finger foods provided by our leader and mentor moms. 

A nice little spread!

Here are some highlights from the meeting: 

Childcare

• This is still a work in progress.  We will continue to search for volunteers to help watch kids so moms can have a break and join our meetings.  Until we get things straightened out with this, we agreed that we can take turns assisting in watching the kids.  Also, we have had some ideas about responsible teenage volunteers as well...so I will be checking on that option as well.  

Fundraising

• I know most people are not so enthused by the idea of fundraising, but if we do a little fundraising this will assist in buying snacks, craft materials, service projects and even providing MOPS kit scholarships for moms if needed.   Some fundraising ideas we discussed are T-shirts with our information and Mabel's Labels.  These are awesome super sticky water proof, dishwasher proof labels that you can stick on pretty much anything.  The company has partnered with MOPS international this year as a fundraising option for groups, so I will check into that as well.  

Crafts

• Although I am about the least crafty person EVER it was the general consensus of the group that we do some craft projects throughout the year.  I will have to rely on other moms to help with this aspect, because I know how to do nothing crafty.  :)  But, it will be fun to learn!

Food

• As I said, the mentor moms and leader provided the finger foods for our first meeting, but we agreed to take turns for bringing some light snacks to each meeting.  Megan & Erin have the snacks for next meeting...I will be working on some sort of sign up sheet for us, so we can stay organized!

MOMS NIGHT OUT

• I am super excited about doing some Mom's Night out events throughout the year.  One of the first things we discussed is doing one of the paint parties.  Almost everyone said they wanted to participate, so I will work on setting up a date for that.  Stay Tuned...

Service Projects

• One of the best things that we can do as a group is give back to our community, so some ideas for service projects were discussed as well.  Christmas Love at Little Brasstown Baptist Church is coming up, so I am hopeful that we will be able to help out in this project as well as others in our community.  Let me know if there is something that you feel would be worthwhile.  

Fierce Flourishing Folders and materials

Ok, that was a TON of information and I'm sure I probably left something out.  And, I am sure ya'll are tired of hearing me say I'm SO EXCITED...but, I can't explain to you how I am feeling....It's truly amazing!  Blessings are overflowing!

A good time was had by all!!!  :)

Stay tuned for more information about the next meeting, scheduled for October 1.  I will send out paperless post e-mail invitations for that...please RSVP  to the invites because it will help me to prepare!