Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Prayer of a Tired Mother

Hear my whispered prayer to thee,
Oh, Father: May I patient be
Keep my voice soft, gentle, low
Help me serene and calm to grow,
The little hands that clutch and cling,
The wilted flowers they often bring,
The restless feet that track in dirt,
The many little cuts and hurts
...That fill my days.

So often I am tired and harried,
When I have need to be unflurried.
Help me to know which things are real,
Their true importance help me feel.
And may I kiss the clinging hands,
With eagerness receive the flowers,
Help me to guide aright those feet,
Each hurt to bind and then repeat
...Soft, soothing words.

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Taking Care of the "ME" in mommy with laughter!


Have you seen these funny 30-second webisodes of, Only in a Women's World? Be sure to check it out to follow the ongoing adventures of Anna, Cheryl, Maya, and Nikki.

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Monday, March 30, 2009

Mouthwatering Mondays- Creamy Strawberry Jello

Gather your kiddos around to make this easy side dish. As a kid I loved to add the ice cubes, unwrap the cream cheese, and of course the best part, lick the blender container after it was done!

3 oz pkg Strawberry Jello
1 c boiling water
6 ice cubes
1/2- 1 cup frozen strawberries (optional)
1 8-oz pkg cream cheese
1 1/2 cups cool whip

In blender mix together jello and boiling water until dissolved. Add other ingredients one at a time and blend until smooth. Pour into a casserole dish immediately and chill until firm.

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Friday, March 27, 2009

MOPS Newsletter 2008-2009 Issue #12


Newsletter for March 27, 2009

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Here's a sneak peak at the new MOPS Theme for 2009-2010...coming this fall!

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Friday Steals & Deals!

  • Oriental Trading Co.Take $10 off any order $30 or more. offer expires 4/13/09 Enter keycode: AFM1001. Visit their website HERE.
  • New York & Co. With promo code: 1891, take $20 off your purchase of $60 or more. offer expires March 29th.
  • Check out Amazon.com toy outlet deals HERE.
  • Hy-Vee is celebrating Spring this week with Roses (various colors) on sale for just $1 each That's only $12/dozen! Sale ends March 30th.

Read more...

Thursday, March 26, 2009

You're Invited!

Join Brooke & Natalie

for this upcoming fun filled personal growth oriented seminar.

Current MOPS steering committee members and those interested in accepting a greater leadership role in our group for the upcoming 2009-2010 year will especially find this day long event to be packed with various informational activities geared toward empowering you to achieve success in your commitment to leadership with MOPS.

We are organizing NOW to take a group of Fremont MOPS gals who are interested in attending this important leadership summit with us.

Please let Keri Taylor know by April 10th if you are interested in attending.

Notes: travel arrangements will be discussed as the date get closer. Some of us may arrange to go the night before and others may leave at 5:30am Sat morning to arrive to the 8am meeting. A portion (or up to 100%) of the registration costs may be covered by Fremont MOPS, depending on the # of gals attending. A catered sack lunch will be $8 (at your expense).

MOPS International will broadcast live via satellite from Denver, CO to over 55 simulcast locations across the United States and Canada. This year’s simulcast will explore:
How to be authentic
How to lead others authentically
How to have an authentic relationship with God

Be AUTHENTIC

  • Understand differing views of authenticity
  • Explore your authentic story
  • Rest in an authentic relationship with God

Lead AUTHENTICALLY

  • Inspire others from an authentic understanding of who you are
  • Lead authentically in your steering position
  • Invite authentic conflict resolution

The Leadership Summit is designed to encourage, equip and develop you as a woman mother and leader. Don’t miss out on this valuable training, featuring:


Local workshops will give interactive training on authentic conflict management and specific positional training. We will also have information on MOPSNext- what to do when you graduate from MOPS.

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Hazardous Children's Clothing Alert!

Click on this picture above to read a PDF document written by the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding drawstrings on children's upper/lower clothing and then check your children's closets for these types of clothing immediately. This includes older children too, as danger may be greater for them as they are not usually under your direct supervision, as much as babies and toddlers are. This document was printed in 1999, yet just today five recalls were issued for children's clothing items with drawstrings due to the potential for strangulation hazards and even death from wearing these types of garments. For a listing of recent garments recalled click here.

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Family Time Thursdays...Sparkle Bottles!

What you will need:

  • small clear plastic bottle(s)
  • light corn syrup
  • Assorted shapes of metallic confetti
  • cold water
Assembly Instructions:
  • fill bottle 3/4 full with corn syrup
  • add a small handful of confetti
  • top the bottle off with water
  • seal the bottle securely with cap
  • shake
Special Thanks to Deb Macaluso for this fun & easy playtime idea!

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Contemporary Art Classes now forming!

Pick up a paintbrush and CREATE!

Wendy Deane is a talented local artist
and an inspiration to women everywhere!

Click on the flyer to the left to view
the details on her new workshops for kids and adults.
Visit her website here.

Read more...

Area Spring/Summer Consignment Sales

Wed-Sat, March 25-28th

  • Twice As Nice consignment sale located at The Police Union Bldg. 13445 Cryer Ave in Omaha, NE. For more information go HERE.
Thurs-Sun, March 26-29th
  • Neat Repeatz Kid's sale at the NE State Fair Park in Lincoln, NE. Visit their website HERE.
Thurs-Sat, March 26-April 4th
  • ReRuns R Fun at 8501 Granville Parkway, LaVista, NE. The area's only non-profit kid's consignment sale. Check out their website HERE.
Thurs-Sat, April 2-4th
  • Take 2 Kid's sale at the Lancaster Event Center, 4100 North 84th Street, Lincoln NE. View their website HERE.
Fri-Sat, April 3-4th
  • Blair MOPS Spring Consignment sale at Granpa's Farm -3 miles south of Blair NE on hwy 133. 9am-7pm fri and 1/2 price sale 8am-1pm sat. call Kathleen at 426-1752 to consign and Maureen at 426-0499 to volunteer. pre-sale event on Thursday for consignors and volunteers.
Fri-Sun, April 3-5
  • Neat Repeatz Adult Clothing etc, consignment sale at the NE State Fair Park in Lincoln, NE. Click HERE to go to their website.
Wed-Sat, April 8-11th
  • WeePeats 4 WeeOnes at the city auditorium in Fremont, NE. See details HERE.
Wed-Fri, April 22-25th
  • KIDZ Shoppe Sale located at the Soccer Center on Giles Road in Omaha, NE. 50% off sale on Saturday. Check out their website HERE.
Fri-Sat, May 29-June 6th
  • ReRuns R Fun "All Grown Up" Sale at 8501 Granville Parkway, LaVista, NE. Women's, Men's, bedding, tools, shoes, etc. Check out their website HERE.

Read more...

WHAT TO DO?...WEDNESDAYS!

Wed-Fri, March 25-27th.

  • Scholastic Warehouse Dollar Days Book fair at 8619 South 117th St. LaVista, NE. 10am-4pm daily. All items $1, $2, or $3. Nothing over $3. An exclusive event for educators or book fair volunteers.
Wed-Sat, March 25-28th
  • Prairie Hearth Spring Open House, 10-4pm each day. Unique handmade crafts. 3 1/2 miles south of Fremont on hwy 77 to Woodcliff Corner, turn right and drive 3/4 miles.
Thurs-Sun, March 26-29th.
  • Omaha Home Show at the Qwest Center. Click here for more information.
Sat, March 28th.
  • St. Wenceslaus boutique 9am-3:30pm. 153rd. & Pacific St. Omaha, NE. no strollers allowed. 100+ vendors.
  • Cedar Bluffs Legion Aux. craft bazaar 9-3pm
Fri, April 3rd.
  • Waterford Spring boutique at the Waterford subdivision clubhouse. 7101 N. 151st. St., Bennington, NE. 4-9pm. complimentary wine & horsd'oeuvres.
Fri-Sat, April 3-4
  • Blair MOPS Spring Consignment sale at the Country Bible Church, Blair NE. 9am-7pm fri and 1/2 price sale 8am-1pm sat. call Kathleen at 426-1752 to consign and Maureen at 426-0499 to volunteer. pre-sale event on Thursday for consignors and volunteers.
Sat-Sun, April 4-5
  • The Omaha Women Living Expo at the Qwest Center. 10-6 sat, 11-5 sun. $5 admission. Food, Fashion, and Fun!
Tues, April 7th
  • "Simple ways to stretch your budget" seminar at 6:30pm & "Raising wise kids" seminar at 7:30pm. First State Bank. 1005 East 23rd St. Fremont, NE. call 721-2500 for reservations.
Fri-Sun, April 17-19
  • Spring Craft Festival at the Qwest Center, Omaha, NE.

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Monday, March 23, 2009

Mouthwatering Mondays - Mom's Chicken Pie

Chicken Pie

Saute' together:
2 T butter
1/4 cup diced onions
1/4 cup thinly sliced celery

Filling mix:
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1/3 cup sour cream
2 Tbl mayonnaise (better than Miracle Whip)
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt/pepper to taste
2 cups chopped chicken or turkey (add last)

Mix filling together, then add saute' mixture. Pour into an unbaked pie shell (deep dish). Bake at 350 for 45 min or until knife inserted comes out clean. Allow to sit and cool about 10-15 min before serving.

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Fremont Valentino's weekly coupon

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New York & Co. limited time offer!


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Carter's Outlet Store Easter Sale & Coupon !


Click Here to print a $10 off purchase coupon.
Valid March 18-25th.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patrick's Day

About 4-Leaf Clovers:

  • One leaf is for FAITH
  • The second for HOPE
  • The third for LOVE &
  • The fourth for LUCK!
In Irish tradition, the shamrock, or 3-leaf clover represents the Holy Trinity: one leaf for the Father, one for the Son and one for the Holy Spirit. When a shamrock is found with a fourth leaf, it represent's God's Grace.
An Irish Blessing for YOU today...
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields
and, Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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Monday, March 16, 2009

Mouthwatering Mondays - Craisin Salad

With spring and summer approaching, I love a good salad on a warm afternoon. This is one of my favorites!

Salad Dressing:
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tsp. dry mustard
1 cup sugar (can use less)
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup olive oil.

Mix all ingredients together until smooth.

Salad:
1 head red-leaf lettuce
mozzarella cheese, shredded
grated Parmesan cheese
bacon bits
craisins (dried cranberries)
toasted almonds.

Mix salad ingredients together until it looks right (ha! how is that for being specific???) Pour dressing on RIGHT BEFORE serving.

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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Congratulations!

Moppets member & "cute as a button!"
Miss Harper Quinn Johnson
(daughter of Brooke & Joshua Johnson)

She is the March 2009 covergirl model for HealthWise Magazine-an Omaha World Herald publication. The insert is in today's Sunday edition of the Omaha World Herald
(photo credits to: Becky Novacek Photography)

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Friday, March 13, 2009

MOPS Newsletter 2008-2009 Issue #11


Newsletter from March 13, 2009

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Friday Steals & Deals

Retail Store Deals:
MOPS International is clearancing EVERYTHING in the "MOP SHOP" at 50% off now until April 30th. Grab up these great deals HERE.

New York & Co. is offering $30 off purchases of $75 or more, with this coupon in stores and on-line now thru Sunday, March 15th.

Famous Footwear on-line purchases thru March 14th take an extra 20% off your entire purchase with coupon code#: 0309798. FYI:returns are accepted at their retail locations for items purchased on-line.

KOHL's cares for kids! With the net profits going to support childrens' health and initiatives nationwide, their retail stores are now offering Dr. Seuss book's and plush characters at only $5 each. A great idea for an Easter basket stuffer, B-day gift item for your child, their playmates, cousins, classmates, etc.

Misc Items:
California Baby Shampoo/Body Wash .75cents off coupon to use exclusively at WholeFoods stores. click here to print.

Amazon.com is celebrating "National Reading Month", now thru March 31st. save $10 on the LeapFrog Tag Reading System and $4 on the Tag books at checkout (restrictions apply) click HERE for details and to shop.

SlimFast.com offers advice from their registered dietitians, personalized meal planning, and support from online buddies, on-line tools and more -- all for FREE. check it out.


Every Monday & Wednesday morning this month a free movie rental coupon code will be posted on the Fremont MOPS website. The code will be only good for renting THAT day, so make sure and check our postings for FREE movie nights with the family-or-with the 'hubby' after the kiddos go to bed.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Family Time Thursdays...Bubbles!

Omaha Children's Museum
"BUBBLE JUICE" Recipe
Ingredients:
5 cups Water
1/2 cup of corn syrup
3 cups dish soap*
  1. Mix and let sit overnight.
  2. Add more dish soap if bubbles seem to pop too easily.
  3. Solution will last about one week.
Notes:
-Blow bubbles over the tub while your tots take their bath -great inside winter fun & no mess.
-If you want an even better "professional" strength bubble juice, replace the corn syrup with Kosher Grade Vegetable Glycerin.

-* results will vary based on brand of soap (we recommend Ultra Dawn or Ultra Joy)

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Natalie Grant in Concert on April 4th, 2009

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WHAT TO DO?...WEDNESDAYS!

Wed, March 11th, Redbox Rent a FREE movie day. Code:JBG123 -good for today only! (see monday's Redbox post for locations)

March 7th-29th CraneFest in the Minden, NE area. A MUST DO weekend trip to see this amazing migration of cranes. Check out the details here.

Fri, March 13th, Press Play @your Fremont Library 4-5:30pm gaming/snacks at the library for 10-18 year olds. Contact Cathy at 727-2694

Sat, March 14th Michael's Craft Store on West Maple St. Omaha, NE. 10am-2pm. Come preview our new birthday party program and decorate a FREE brownie you can eat or take with you!...and book your party during this preview event and save $10.

Sun, March 15th "Making your kids mind, without losing yours" A video series presented at Fremont Alliance Church 9:15am in the video conference room. Dr. Kevin Leman

Tues, March 17th-Wed, March 18th Dora-The Live Show at the Orpheum Theatre, Omaha, NE. Show times are Tuesday at 7pm, Wed at 10:30am & 7pm

Fri-Sun, March 27-29th, Scrapbook, Quilt, & Craft Retreat at Camp Rivercrest. go HERE for details.

Sat, March 28th St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Spring Fling Craft Boutique 9am-3:30pm at 153rd & Pacific Streets.

Thurs-Sun, April 2-5th, Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale at the Fremont City Auditorium

Sat, April 4th Free Family Event at Michaels Craft Store on west Maple St. Omaha NE. This event is from 10am-2pm. Let your imagination take you out of this world! Come join us for a 3D experience (3D glasses provided) and treasure hunt. make your own 3D mini poster, "far out" finger puppet, and Monsters vs. Aliens coloring pages for FREE. Ages 5-12 welcome.

Wed-Sat, April 8-11th, WeePeats for WeeOnes at the Fremont City Auditorium

Sat, April 18th FREE Family Event at Michaels Craft Store on west Maple St. Omaha NE. 10am-1pm. Come join us to make a fun Spring critter. Ages 5-12 welcome.

Sat, April 25th, Free Children's Carnival on the Green at Midlands Lutheran College. 1-4pm for all elementary aged children.

Sat, April 25th & Sun, April 26th. Omaha Health, Wellness, & Fitness Expo
at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. details here.

Read more...

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Taking Care of the "ME" in mommy!

Anyone out there feeling the winter blahs?
A fresh new color of lipstick, blush or bronzer can really cheer you up
& get you noticed by your husband!
Step into Spring with these great specials Jen is offering
MOPS Moms this month & give yourself a beauty boost!

-"All Things Glamorous" makeup sets including the Mary Kay Mineral Shimmer Powder in Canary Diamond, Mary Kay lip gloss in Gold Sequins, and Mary Kay creme lipstick in Berry Luxe, Couture Pink or Champagne. This would be a great item for anyone you might know who is going to prom! Final price $30
-Body Care sets
in Glistening Winterberry or Creamy Frosted Vanilla. Final price $15
-$5 off Mary Kay Eau de Toilette fragrances in Warm Amber, Sparkling Honeysuckle, Simply Cotton, and Exotic Passionfruit. Final price $20
-$4 off Mary Kay Oil-free Makeup remover.
Final price $10
-Buy one get one free
Mary Kay Nourishine lip gloss or Mary Kay Creme lipstick.
Final price $13

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Monday, March 9, 2009

Mouthwatering Monday!

BEEF BALLS with MUSHROOM GRAVY
Combine the following items and form into small balls, then brown in pan (use same pan for sauce) on all sides and place in a casserole:

  • 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
  • 1 cup dried bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
for Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup onions
  • 1 (8oz) can mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (8oz) can cream of mushroom soup
Directions:
  1. saute onions & drained mushrooms (reserve liquid)
  2. mix the soup, milk, mushroom liquid & worcestershire sauce together and then pour over onions & mushrooms in pan.
  3. put meatballs in casserole and pour sauce over. Bake slowly for one hour at 275-300 degrees.
Serve over rice or mashed potatoes with a green salad and hot rolls.

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Saturday, March 7, 2009

Save the Earth...Saturdays!

RECYCLE & SHOW SUPPORT FOR MOPS
Do you love MOPS?
we LOVE our MOPS moms and want to do more for YOU
we'll need everyone's help --- and it will be so easy!

Please Give to MOPS

Where:
Drop off at MOPS meetings going forward

Fremont MOPS is asking all member's support by collecting donations of any used/unwanted ink & toner cartridges from your printers...and please ask everyone you know if they will also save their cartridges throughout the year to help support our efforts:
  • parents
  • siblings
  • friends
  • co-workers
  • neighbors, etc
  • collection from workplace
We will recycle the items for you so they don't end up in the landfills and, in turn, you will be helping to strengthen our ability to bring you exciting activities and perks at future MOPS events. contact the gmail account with any questions HERE.
Thanks in advance for helping out and contributing to building our ministry!

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Friday, March 6, 2009

Friday Steals & Deals!

Fashion Store Deals:
The Limited women's clothing store has teamed up with Tide detergent to bring you this coupon for $20 off a $60 purchase or $30 off a $100 purchase in their stores and on-line using code: 988 at checkout. offer expires March 15th.

New York & Co. is offering $20 off purchases of $60 or more, with this coupon in stores and on-line now thru Sunday, March 8th.

JcPenney's is offering 20% off all regular & sale prices. Mention code: SHOPPER when calling in orders at 1-800-222-6161 or enter the code when prompted at checkout online. offer ends Friday, March 13, 2009.

Banana Republic, The Gap & Old Navy You get 30% off your in-store purchase with this coupon for 4 days only during the friends & family event - March 12th-15th, 2009

The Carter's Store at the Gretna Outlet mall has a great coupon offer & specials going on until March 11th. check it out HERE.

Osh Kosh B'gosh Store at the Gretna Outlet mall also has a great coupon offer & in store specials going on until March 11th. check it out HERE.


Misc Items:
Degree Men's Absolute Protection Deodorant has a promotion for the man in your life to try. Go HERE and grab up a FREE product by mail.

Huggies Diapers/Wipes Coupons - get $5.00 off any one Gentle Care product (size preemie-2, but here's a super tip: use it to buy the gentle care wipes instead of the diapers. The 184 count pack of wipes is $5.49 at Target-so if you use the $5 off coupon then you pay only .49cents !!! & then print the $3.00 off coupon for any one Natural Fit product(sizes 3-6) to buy diapers. These coupons will go fast! You can print each coupon twice! Just click on the new coupon box on the sidebar of this blog. Support MOPS by clicking through our coupon bar each time you want to view all of the great coupon deals - and click OFTEN as their website's great deals change every day.

Greenie's Pet Treats - get your free sample HERE.

Coming soon!
Starting next week, every Monday & Wednesday morning this month a free movie rental coupon code will be posted on the Fremont MOPS website. The code will be only good for renting THAT day, so make sure and check our postings for FREE movie nights with the family-or-with the 'hubby' after the kiddos go to bed!

Restaurant Deals:
Ted's Montana Grill is offering folks a FREE burger! Go HERE and tell Ted's Montana Grill why you love them and you will receive a coupon by email for a free burger! If you have never seen their burger, you need to check them out! They are delicious and huge!

ARBY's is offering a free sandwich when you purchase a soft drink with this
coupon. Try their new Roastburger and then comment on our blog and let us all know how it tastes! offer expires March 14th.

Read more...

Thursday, March 5, 2009

All about Family- Thursdays...SMILE!



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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

March 2009 Classifieds

This is a post for all MOPS Member Families to utilize as an open forum to advertise all things you would normally place in the local newspaper's advertising section ---but for FREE!. We will create a new open post at the beginning of each month to keep this FREE ADS section going all year.

So start posting your comments now on:
announcements
garage sales
lost and found
homes & cars for sale
merchandise for sale/wants
jobs available
babysitting services and etc.

Read more...

WHAT TO DO?...WEDNESDAYS!

Fri/Sat, March 6th-7th: St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, NE. is sponsoring a retreat titled, "The road is made by walking..."The retreat, which will be directed by Sister Marie Micheletto, begins Friday at 7:30pm and ends Saturday at 3pm. Cost is $40 with additional costs for room and board. To register, call 402-352-8819.

Saturday, March 7th: "FIREPROOF", the movie will be playing at Westside Church in Omaha, NE. Doors open at 6pm, movie starts at 7pm. Adults only please. no tickets required. Invite your friends.

Tuesday, March 10th: Storytime at the Fremont Library 10-10:30am & Crafts at 3:15-4:30 (project: Treasure Bags)

Friday, March 13th: Press Play @ your library- digital games & snacks for ages 10-18 time: 4-5:30pm. call 727-2694 to register.

Sunday, March 15th: Are your home & mind spinning out of control? Join us for the first in a series of inspiring & entertaining video lessons, titled: "Making children mind without losing yours" by Dr. Kevin Leman. 9:15am-Sundays Fremont Alliance Church video conference room.

Sat/Sun, March 21-22: St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, NE is hosting a prayer retreat for couples, titled: Tapping the source of married love. check out their website for more information.

Read more...

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Omaha Steaks March Madness Sale!

50% OFF Every Item in Every Store!
Friday, March 6th - Sunday, March 8th
Bonus Shopping Day:
Thursday, March 5th
by invitation only*

You'll save 50% off all regular priced items,
plus
Save over 60% on our Door Buster Specials.
  • In-stock items only-sorry, no rainchecks
  • Not available for mail order
  • Cannot be combined with any other offers. 50% off regular price
*Thursday's Sale day is only for customers who present a valid email sales flyer invitation to store employees.
MOPS members can request a Thursday shopping pass click here.

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Hurry! This deal will go fast...

Great idea for baby boy presents & toy donations!
Offer good thru March 6, 2009 or while supplies last!
Order HERE now!

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It's Turbo Charged Tuesday!

INFORMATION TO "RE-FUEL" OUR MIND-BODY-SPIRIT
RELATIONSHIPS-FINANCES & more...


Today's Topic is:
{What Work-at-Home Jobs Are All About}

An excerpt from Readers Digest, March 2009
If you're willing to do your homework and use common sense, you can find real toil-from-your-dining-table jobs, ranging from telemarketing and virtual assistance to software development and graphic design. It will also take you only a few clicks to see scams worthy of a loan-seeking Nigerian prince. "Any kid in his basement can make a decent-looking website," warns Alison Southwick of the Better Business Bureau. Indeed, one industry observer put the ratio of scams to legitimate jobs at an astonishing 54 to 1. (check out BBB guidelines) And no matter what, don't send anyone money, account numbers, or your Social Security number until you're well along in the hiring process and know exactly whom you are dealing with.
specialize in outsourced call center jobs that can be done from home and generally pay $7 to $14 an hour. Read the fine print, though, and you'll find that some pay only per minute you're on the phone (like LiveOps, which takes calls for infomercial customers), while others guarantee an hourly rate. There can be charges for a background and credit check (not unusual in this industry) as well as training, incorporation, and equipment fees: a headset ($75 or so), high- speed Internet access, a dedicated landline, and current software.

Then there are sites such as virtualassistants.com and tjobs.com, which are in effect job boards that charge a fee for access to listings. The trade-off is that you don't have to weed through postings to find ones geared toward home workers and there are fewer scam listings. But anyone willing to do the work can generally find the same listings on free job boards, then do the due diligence him- or herself. MomCorps.com is a free job board geared toward stay-at-home mothers as well as a staffing service that lets you post a detailed profile. Pay $9.95 a month and your profile jumps to the top of an employer's search.

Virtual marketplace sites—like elance.com, odesk.com, and guru.com —link up freelancers who have specialized skills (like video editing, blog writing, or Web developing) with employers by having candidates bid for jobs. Grumblers complain that they're competing with offshore workers who give lowball figures to win assignments. Sometimes the better listings cost extra-from $9.95 per month to $129.94 per quarter, depending on your field and the site.

Some of the most attractive work-at-home jobs can be found at vipdesk.com, which hires virtual personal assistants for clients. The catch? You need to submit a résumé and writing sample, agree to a background and credit check, interview by phone twice, train for ten days, provide references, and be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays. And you may have to wait. Hourly pay is $14 to $20.

Notes: Arise, Alpine Access and LiveOps have also been featured on The Today Show as legitimate work-at-home job companies. This article is an informational resource only and Fremont MOPS does not endorse these companies. If you find job success here or uncover a scam, please post a comment and share your experience with the group.

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Monday, March 2, 2009

Mouthwatering Monday!

Scalloped Potato Casserole

Potato Base:
2lb bag of frozen hash browns
1/4 cup melted butter (plus more for topping below)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 can Campbell's cream of chicken w/herbs soup
2 cups shredded American/Cheddar cheese blend
16oz sour cream
-------------------
Topping: crushed cornflakes & butter

  1. Thaw potatoes
  2. mix all of the above potato base ingredients and put in a 9x13 inch pan
  3. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes & 1/4 cup melted butter
  4. bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour
Notes: I prefer to use the 'country style' cubed kind instead of traditional shredded hash browns. I also use more cornflakes on top if needed to cover the top completely.

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