A Children's Shopping Event!

Wednesday, December 9th, 4-6pm
Shopping with Santa!...A Children's Shopping Mall
at Veteran's Hall (the old bowling alley)in Downtown Valley Nebraska for all children ages 4 years through 4th Grade to shop for Mom & Dad and Siblings too! all Presents are 50 cents or less!
* Visit with Santa *
* Free Gift Wrapping *
Sorry, parents must wait in the lobby, only shopping age 4 years through 4th grade are allowed in the shopping area. Santa's ELVES will be on hand to help little shoppers. "Shopping with Santa" is a community service of the Elkhorn Valley Community Theatre and Linda McDermitt Insurance. Call Janice at 359-2699 or Linda at 359-2545 to donate items.

Mouthwatering Monday...Cherry Pineapple Cheer!

2 cups pineapple juice
1/4 cup maraschino cherry syrup
8 maraschino cherries
1 (750-milliliter) bottle Prosecco

In a medium bowl, combine pineapple juice and cherry syrup. Place 1 cherry in the bottom of each champagne flute. Pour 1/4 cup pineapple mixture into bottom of each flute. Top with Prosecco. Makes about 8 drinks. Cheers!

Friday Steals & Deals!

Get a head start on your BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING by viewing these great Ads on-line NOW so you can plan your best savings for shopping the day after Thanksgiving!

TOYS R US BLACK FRIDAY AD --- check out the fine print as the store actually opens Thursday at MIDNIGHT for the savings!

WAL-MART

BEST BUY

JCPENNEY

and more here!

Use the U.S. Post Office this holiday season to ship your gifts! Priority Mail FLAT RATE boxes is a simple way to ship gifts and get yours FREE by visiting their website HERE! Order by Dec 10th, to receive your FREE Flat rate boxes so your ready when it's time to ship your gifts. There are 4 box sizes to fit your gifts, with shipping starting at just $4.95. The mailman will even pick up your flat rate shipments for free - saving you a trip to the post office.

40% plus FREE Shipping at Expressionery.com when you enter: expprd at checkout! This website is a great place to shop for custom stamps, stationery, gifts and more!

60% off Minky Chenille Blankets when you use code: blanket60 at checkout (offer ends Nov 22) -or- $10 off any purchase at Bebe Bella Designs when you enter the code: free10 at checkout. Beautiful made in the USA blankets, bibs, booties, burps, hats, mittens, scarves, throws and more! The softest fabric ever found!!!

A Noteworthy Reminder!

Finally, a solution to keeping all the birthdays us MOMS have to keep track of. Enter special occasions into JackCards.com, then choose a paper greeting card from the site's collection of fresh and unique designs. When the date approaches, a card arrives at your door, stamped and addressed. All you have to do is jot down a personal message and stick it back in the mailbox. A lot more personal than e-greetings and with cards starting at just $2.45, it a small price to pay for remembering someone's big day.

Taking Care of the "ME" in mommy...Lift your Spirits!

Laugh Often...Work Out...Get Away...Dress Up...Do your Nails...Eat Well...Stay in Touch with Friends...What easy ways to lift your spirits when you are feeling a little blue!

Holiday Family Friendly TV Programs

(This post will be updated frequently throughout this Holiday Season!)

7pm, Tuesday, Nov 17th
on NBC
MERRY MADAGASCAR...a delightful adventure with the Central Park Zoo menagerie still marooned on the island of Madagascar. 30 minutes.

Wednesday, Nov 18th
on ABC-Family Channel
6pm...GOTTA CATCH SANTA CLAUS
7pm...LILO & STITCH

A FREE Gift from Betty Crocker Cookie Mix!

Text BETTY to 467467 to receive a free Betty Crocker Cookie Mix recipe booklet featuring 10 Prize Winning Holiday Recipes and coupons!

Offer valid thru 1/31/2010. ShopText has a NoSpam promise.

Mouthwatering Monday!

Pumpkin Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Cookie Base
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
½ cup crushed gingersnap cookies
½ cup finely chopped pecans
½ cup cold butter or margarine
Filling
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar1cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 tablespoons Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons whipping cream
2 eggs
Toppings
1/3 cup chocolate topping
1/3 cup caramel topping
Directions
1. Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir together cookie mix, crushed cookies and pecans. Cut in butter, using pastry blender or fork, until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 cup mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add remaining filling ingredients; beat until well blended. Pour over warm cookie base. Sprinkle with reserved topping.

3.Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.

4. Before serving, drizzle with chocolate and caramel toppings. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator

Mouthwatering Monday...Caramel Apple Bars!

Ingredients:

1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
1/2 cup Butter or Margarine, softened
1/4 cup Shortening
1+3/4 cups all purpose flour
1+1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4+1/2 cups tart apples, coarsely chopped & peeled(about 3 apples)
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 bag 14oz. caramels

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix brown sugar, butter, and shortening in a large bowl. Stir in 1+3/4 cups flour, the oats, salt and baking soda. Reserve 2 cups oat mixture; then press remaining oat mixture in ungreased 13x9 pan.

2. Toss apples with 3 tablespoons flour; spread over mixture in pan. Heat caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally until melted; pour evenly over apples. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture; press lightly.

3. Bake 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. For 36 bars, cut 6 rows by 6 rows while warm. Store covered in refrigerator.

Thanks to MOPS Member Crystal E. for sharing this delicious recipe - a perfect treat to bring for the Thanksgiving Feast.

What to do?...Upcoming Fun Events!

Keep Checking Back as this list will be updated throughout the month!

Sunday, November 1st., 1-4pm
Family Fun Day at Joslyn Art Museum. FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Enjoy music, theater, storytelling, and art making as you discover our new child friendly exhibit, "Discovery Garden".

Thurs-Sun, Nov 5-8
Autumn Festival Arts & Crafts Affair at the Qwest Center. Over 400 exhibitors. ** Festival parking coupons --- bring the bottom 1/3 of your parking receipt to the lobby for a $1 rebate for EACH $20 you spend at participating booths **

Nov 16, 20, 25, 27 - 12:15pm-3:15pm
& Nov 28 - 12:30pm-3:30pm
Fremont FREE Community Skates at Sidner Ice Arena for all Fremont area residents. ph# 753-0200.

Wed-Sat, November 18-21
18th Annual Prairie Hearth Christmas Open House 3 miles south of Fremont on Hwy 77 to the Woodcliff corner, then 3/4 mile west. All handmade items, no imports. Visit their website here

Thurs, November 19th
Ladies Night Out at Mulhall's at 120th & Maple in Omaha. Join us for this one night only holiday sale! Enjoy a festive evening & draw your own discount off holiday merchandise. Free mini spa services and a drawing for door prizes. Free Admission, though please bring a non-perishable item for the Food Bank. ph# 496-0700

Friday, Nov 20th
Stargazing at the Behlen Observatory near Mead. Visitors will be able to view a variety of objects in space through Behlen's 30-inch telescope and with smaller telescopes set up outside the observatory. These objects include the planets Jupiter & Uranus, two kinds of star clusters, double or mutiple stars and the Ring Nebula in Lyra. A member of the staff will give an illustrated talk about objects in the autumn sky. This is a FREE event. Go here for driving directions.

Fri-Sat, November 20-21
O'Tannenbaum, A festival of Trees at St. John's Church, 322 N. Molley in Bennington, NE. Fri 11-8pm and Sat 10-2pm...$2 donation...beautiful trees, raffle, sweets, soup and shopping!

Sat, November 21st
Craft Show at First Lutheran Church in Blair NE. 2146 Wright St. 9am-3pm. free admission. Potato Bar Lunch 11-1pm.

Sat, November 21st
2nd Annual Holiday Boutique at Ironwood Golf Club, 12627 Pacific St. 9-3pm, $1 donation and raffle available to support Meals on Wheels.

Sat, November 21st
Holiday Boutique & fitness expo at Jazzercise in Fremont. 11am-3pm. 1610 Yager Rd. Something for everyone on your list! jewelry, skincare, photography, massage, kitchen wares and more! Free admission & Food & Fun too!

Sat-Sun, November 21-22
Festival of Trees at Harrah's Convention Center 10-5pm Sat and 11-5pm Sun. Enjoy beautifully decorated trees, holiday shopping, stage entertainment, Elves' workshop featuring Santa, crafts, facepainting and cookie decorating. For more info and $1 off coupons go here.

Sat, November 27th
Light up the Night at Village Point Shopping Mall in Omaha. Family Holiday Concert at 6pm and at 7pm there will be a holiday parade, Santa arrival and the tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy free carriage rides and dazzling decor too!

Friday, November 27
MainStreet Fremont Christmas Walk, 5-9pm. Enjoy carolers, visit with Santa, carriage rides, chili feed, gingerbread house display & much more!

TODAY ONLY 50% off at Payless Shoes

CLICK HERE to print a coupon for 50% off your entire purchase TODAY ONLY! -or- Text OPRAHSHOW to 242424 and receive your coupon & details via your cell phone device, then show the phone message at the store for this super ONE DAY ONLY DISCOUNT!!
Thanks Oprah!!

CoCo Key Water Resort is FREE before 5pm!

Free fun for EVERYONE! Visit CoCo Key Monday - Thursday before 5pm and admission is FREE! That's right...all you have to do is come early and you will enjoy NO COST entrance to CoCo Key. It's the place to be and its absolutely FREE! Click HERE to ORDER your FREE PASSES NOW!

Don't forget to bring your Towel!
Subject to water park availability. Guests must arrive prior to 5PM. Offer available 10.19.09 - 11.19.09. Valid only Monday- Thursday.

Mouthwatering Monday...Breakfast Casserole!

INGREDIENTS
* 1 pound sage flavored breakfast sausage
* 3 cups shredded potatoes, drained and pressed
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 12 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup onion, shredded
* 1 (16 ounce) container small curd cottage cheese
* 6 jumbo eggs

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch square baking dish.
2. Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
3. In the prepared baking dish, stir together the shredded potatoes and butter. Line the bottom and sides of the baking dish with the mixture. In a bowl, mix the sausage, Cheddar cheese, onion, cottage cheese, and eggs. Pour over the potato mixture.
4. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into center of the casserole comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Thanks Natalie for bringing this delicious dish to our meeting recently and sharing the recipe with us all!

Family Time Thursdays...Pool Play Giveaway!

FREMONT MOPS is giving away (2ea) Buy one/Get one passes to Coco Key Water Resort in Omaha, NE! That's enough passes for a family of four!
Ok here's the catch...click on the comments button at the bottom of this post and let us know what was a favorite Halloween memory for you, like a favorite costume etc. (Don't forget to leave your name!)

Contest ends on Thursday, Oct 22nd at noon. Drawing to be held at the next MOPS meeting -- so make sure and attend to see if it is your lucky day!

(Passes expire 12/30/09) Thanks to Keri Taylor for donating these items.

What to do?...Wednesday!

Thursday, Oct 15th, 5-7pm
Christensen Field's Annual Community Spaghetti Supper in the main arena. All you can eat! Donation of $6/person, children under 5 free.

Saturday, Oct 17th, 7:30am-Noon
Sixth Annual Healthy Morning for Women at First Lutheran Church, 2146 Wright St. in Blair NE. Informative Presentations, over 15 FREE Health Screenings, Flu Vaccinations & Vascular Screenings also available for a small fee. Call 402-426-1601 for more information. *Lab work requires 12-hour fasting prior to testing. Co-Sponsored by Memorial Comm. Hospital. Go HERE for more details.

Sun-Tues, Oct 18-20th, 7am-7pm
Join Scooter's Coffeehouse for their Harvest Celebration Event and enjoy a FREE small hot drink at 23rd & Clarkson.

Visit Fremont Area Pumpkin Patches!

PUMPKIN HOLLOW U-Pick Pumpkins
Open M-F 3pm-7pm, Sat & Sun 9am-7pm
Located 8 miles North of Fremont on Hwy 77, East on Co.Rd N Blvd.
Notes:Watch for the signs!

CAMP FONTANELLE CORN MAZE & PUMPKIN PATCH
Open Sat & Sun 1pm-7pm --open til 10pm Oct 24th, Oct 30th(Fri) & Oct 31st.
Located North of Fremont, Turn right (south) at the village of Fontanelle and go 2 miles. The road will turn to gravel and wind a bit. Camp Fontanelle's entrance will be on the right hand side of the road. When you see a big barn with a green metal roof, you are where you want to be!
Notes: Hayrides, farm animals, campfires, sand box, toys, corn maze, and pumpkins. Coupons on their website at www.campfontanelle.com

BIG RED BARN & PUMPKIN FARM
Open Thurs-Sun, 10am-6pm
Located at 132nd & Bennington Rd, Bennington NE (HWY 36)
Notes: Pony & Hayrack rides, face painting, snacks etc.

POOLEY'S PUMPKIN PATCH
Open Tues-Sun, 10am-8pm
Located at 144th & Bennington Rd, Bennington NE (HWY 36)
Notes: more details on their website at www.pooleyspumpkinpatch.com

SKINNY BONES CORN MAZE & PUMPKIN PATCH
Open Fri 6-10pm, Sat 1pm-10pm & Sun 1pm-7pm
Located just outside of Blair NE.
Notes: more details on their website at www.skinnybones.info

VALA'S PUMPKIN PATCH
Open 9am-9pm Sun-Wed & 9am-10pm Thu-Sat
Located 12102 South 18oth Street, Omaha NE
Notes: more details on their website at www.valaspumpkinpatch.com

Fremont Area Halloween Events!

All Month Long
Cobweb Castle: The Not-so-scary haunted house at the Omaha Children's Museum. Go here for more details.

Thursday, Oct 22nd
4:30-7:30pm
Downtown Fremont's Halloween Hysteria Event with lots of activities and fun including, face painting, costume contest, story telling, photos, hayrack rides, a haunted bank and more!

5-7pm
Spooktacular Card Party & Magic Show at Fremont's Keene Mem. Library. Sign up for a new library card. Magic show starts at 7pm.

6:30-9:30pm
Trail of Terror opening night at Izaak Walton Park. Park your car at Christensen Soccer Field, 1710 W. 16th then board a hayrack to the haunted trail. $8 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 6-12, and Free for children under 5. The haunted trail will continue Oct 23-24 and Oct 29-31.

Saturday, Oct 24th
9:30am-5pm
Treat Street at Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs, IA. Monsters, Munchies & more at every door. Adults:$6, Children 3 to 12: $3, and 2 & under: Free. Check out their website here.


Sunday, Oct 25th
2pm
Symphony Spooktacular at the Holland Center, Omaha NE. Join us for an afternoon of thrills, chills, and creepy classics. It's an interactive, affordable Halloween event for the whole family, complete with trick-or-treating in the lobby. Adults: $9.75, Children:$7

2-5pm
Trick-or-Treat in the Old Market. More than 40 businesses will hand out treats. Check out their website for more details here.

10am-3pm
Spooktacular at Henry Doorly Zoo. Includes trick-or-treating, spooky train ride, costume parade at 1pm. Check out more details here.


Monday-Friday, Oct 26-30th
5:30-8pm
Boo at the Zoo at the Lincoln Children's Zoo. Go here for more details.


Tuesday, Oct 27th
3:30-4:3pm
Keene Mem. Library Craft hour: Candy Bags

6:30-7:30pm
Trunk-N-Treat at the YMCA
This free activity is a great way to let your little ones (children must be in costume and 12 or under to participate) get a sack full of goodies in a safe lighted environment. You don't have to be a YMCA member to participate.


Thursday, Oct 29th
10am-noon
YMCA Halloween Party. Bring your young children in costume and 6ea. pieces of candy/treats to share. All Fremont area families welcome.


Fri-Sat, Oct 30th & 31st
No Trick, Just our Treat at Applebee's receive Free Kid's Meals for children under 12 in Costume. Good with purchase of an adult entree. Dine-In only.


Sat, Oct 31st
10am-2pm
Parkview Shopping Center's Halloween Costume Contest at 1:30pm & treats given at each business. Magic Show at 11:30am & Drum group Sheltered Reality at 11:30am also. Located on east Military Ave, next to Skate City.

2-5pm
FREE Halloween Family Ice Skating at Sidner Ice Arena in Fremont.

2-6pm
Laser Tag in the Camp Fontanelle Corn Maze. One free child admission per adult paid $6 admission.

4-9pm
Trick or Treat at the Fremont Mall Stores.

5:30-7:30pm
Trick-or-Treat Trunk Style at Bergan High School parking lot. All Fremont area families are welcome to this free event.

5-8pm
FREE Fall Festival at Fremont Alliance Church, 16th & Lincoln Ave. Inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, games, candy, hotdogs and more!

6-8pm
Safe Halloween Games, treats and Fun at Sinai Lutheran Church parking lot, 950 East 8th Street.

Free Books Every Month for your child!

It sounds almost too simple to be true, but by reading regularly with your children during their preschool years, you are giving them the biggest boost toward a successful education they will ever get. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will help you read with your child. There are many reasons parents do not read to their child, but we can eliminate one of them.

Every child will have books of their very own, at no cost to you, thanks to Fremont Area United Way & Dolly Parton... Each month a new carefully selected book will be mailed in your child's name directly to your home. He/she can look forward to new and exciting reading adventures until he/she turns five years old as long as you remain a resident of Dodge County. Should the child move outside Dodge County, he/she automatically exits the program.

Who is eligible? Children aged birth to their fifth birthday who reside in Dodge County.

What are your responsibilities? Be a resident of Dodge County, submit a completed registration form or use online registration , Notify the Fremont Area United Way any time your address changes, and READ TO YOUR CHILD.

When will my child start receiving books? Eight to ten weeks after your registration form or online submission has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns five or you move out of Dodge County.
NOTE: The on-line website is a little confusing...just ignore any of the "Login/Password" boxes.

How can you help? Do you know a young child in Dodge County who is not receiving Dolly Parton's Imagination Library? Give their parents a brochure (available at MOPS meetings) and encourage them to fill it out and mail it. Telling them about this FREE program can make a huge difference in their future and the future of our community. Thanks to Crystal M. for alerting MOPS about this great program!

Our Fabulous Cookbook...

as reviewed in today's Fremont Tribune! Thanks to Food Editor Ellen Lund for such a nice article that includes recipes by Keri Taylor, Amy Coughlin & Regina Wagner! Read it HERE...

Taking Care of the "ME" in mommy...with Exercise!

If we wait for the moment when everything,

absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin...Ivan Turgenev

So what are YOU waiting for?
Get moving today at Fremont's Jazzercise studio (1610 Yager Rd.)
and tell them you read about it on the "Fremont MOPS' website.
Your first class is always free!
For class times Click HERE
A New 6:30pm T/TH and 5:45am Fri Class & Super Specials just announced!
* Get Fit for the rest of 2009 with unlimited classes for just $50...joining fees may apply...go HERE to print an additional $20 sign up coupon.

Currently, babysitting services are available on-site during most classes with more coverage coming soon! Teri (the owner/manager) is looking for a few caring gals that love children and can help out in the babysitting room for just 1 or 2hrs/week and in return, get huge discounts -up to 100% free classes! Sitters are needed to cover the following class times: 9:30am Mondays & Wednesdays and 5:30pm Wednesdays. Ask for more details at the studio or call Teri @ 721-0691. Also, check with your employer as many national companies like Wal-mart, Pepsi Co, John Deere, etc and healthcare providers offer discount programs for Jazzercise classes. Click HERE for a current listing.

Mouthwatering Monday...Zesty Meatball Soup!

Ingredients:
1 beaten egg
10ea saltine crackers, finely crushed
1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
1 pound ground beef

2 small zucchini, chopped (2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cans (14 1/2 oz size) stewed tomatoes with Italian seasonings
1 can (15oz size) tomato sauce with Italian seasonings
1 can (14oz size) reduced sodium beef broth
1/2 cup uncooked dry small shell pasta

Directions:
1. In large bowl, combine egg, crackers, cheese, parsley and pepper. Add ground beef. Mix well. Shape into 36 one-inch balls.

2. Spray Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray. Cook meatballs, half at a time, in pot over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink in center, turning occasionally. Remove meatballs from pot.

3. In same Dutch oven cook zucchini and onion until tender. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth and pasta. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 8 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir in meatballs, Heat through.

RedBox Free Rental Code 10/5/09

Today only! ...You can get a free one-day DVD rental at your local Redbox.
Simply use code:QNGJ7KD
At the kiosk, choose the option to 'rent with promo code'. You'll need to enter a credit card at check out, however, as long as you return the DVD on-time the next day you will not be charged.

This can be used once per debit/credit card, so you can rent more than one for free by using different cards! Redbox has three Fremont locations:
Walmart, Hy-Vee, Food 4 Less, Casey's General Store (821 North Broad St.)

Mouthwatering Monday...Roasted Pumpkin Seeds!

A Kitchen Simple Recipe!...In a bowl, combine 2 cups fresh, rinsed pumpkins seeds with 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt and 2 tablespoons Tamari or other Japanese soy sauce.

Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees, shaking occasionally, until seeds turn taoasty brown, about 12 minutes.

Beware of Area "Text Message" Scam

Omaha Police have sent out a crime alert after a so-called 'phishing scam' showed up as text messages on cell phones across the metro Omaha area.
Financial institution customers/members are being contacted via Text message saying that their bank cards have been deactivated and that they need to call a phone number in order to reactivate their card. When they call they are being ask for their banking information, which police warn could be used by identity thieves...
click here to continue reading this news story.

Friday Steals & Deals!

Get Jillian Michael's (The "Biggest Loser's coach) new book Master your Metabolism FREE...just go here to get your FREE copy today, all you pay is $4.95 S&H.