The Butterfly Press

CCC MOPS NEWSLETTER VOLUME 7 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2007

‘Twas the month before Christmas Today’s Quote

'Twas the month before Christmas “Glory to God in the highest,
MOPS And in "Any" town, And on earth peace, goodwill
Leadership Team Moms of preschoolers (MOPS) were bustling around; toward men!”
Making their plans for the Season to come
Luke 2:14
Coordinator And hoping and praying they'd get everything done.
M’Lisse Stone They sigh and begin their kitchen brigade
Creative Activities Leader As they don aprons and get all the sweet treats made.
Marcia Smith Next on the list any MOPS-mom will relate
Creative Activities Asst./ Is the great number of child-friendly crafts using pa-
Service Projects per plates.
Rose Laeber Buoyed by the knowledge that Granny and Gramps Mark Your Calendar!
Finance Leader will smile (Reminder: only one meeting in December)
Coco Gumacal They prepare preschool crafts to traverse the miles.
Crafts that trace each little sweetie's appendage The Child Star Musical
Grandmop
Elsie Anderson And that require minimal cutting (thus avoiding blood Sun., Dec. 23rd 9 & 10:45am
and bandage) Mon., Dec. 24th 4 & 6:00pm
Discussion Group Leader A light-hearted mini-musical at CCC
Audrey Witteborg These MOPS-moms are armed with a mission
They want to begin their own family traditions. Candlelight Christmas Eve
Hospitality / Care Team
Caprice Inchalik So they listen to other moms share what they do Service here at CCC
And they evaluate what could work for them too. Mon., Dec. 24th 11:00pm
Mentor Moms
Cathy Davie With great hopes for January MOPS Meetings:
Joan Evans a most meaningful Season
Karen Jaeger MOPS and children sing carols, Tuesday, January 8, 9:15am
Alice McKinley read books and share THE reason. “HOMEmade” ~ Craft Day
Janet Peterson Tuesday, January 22, 9:15am
Diane Rust
As MOPS moms know
And yearn to impart “Overwhelmed to Organized in 30
Publicity Leader Christmas isn't Christmas Days” with Speaker Lee Mahla
Courtney Phelps without Christ in one's heart.
Social Activities/Special It is true that the season
Events Leader
Amy Broxham
Brings much fun and joy.
And laughter and merriment,
Speaker Coordinator To each girl and boy.
Deanna McDaniel
In This Issue
But Christian Mothers' hearts continually share
Table Leaders The message of God's love to their children every-
Brandi Brooks Birthdays/Special Announcements . . . Page 2
where. Our Neighborhood (Community Events) . . Page 2
Janet Horel
Deanna McDaniel In the Christmas miracle God's plan was shown Where to go to see Christmas Lights . . Page 2
Tamara Plummer As the tiny Christ-child to the world was made
From the Kitchen (Holiday Treats!) . . . . . Page 3
Doria Wallentine known.
Christmas Traditions (Your Answers) . . . Page 4
Tiffany Wolin "Dear Father, draw us nearer to you as we pray, ‘Twas the night before Christmas . . . . . Page 4
And thank you for the gift of Christmas Day. MOPPETS Corner (Fun Holiday Crafts) . . . Page 5
Please accept our offerings at the manger so bare Calendar, Classifieds & Contact Info. . . Page 6
And bless our little children as we lead them there." “The Christmas Story“ (The Truth) . . . . . Page 6
Miscellaneous Announcements . . . . . . . .Page 6
By Sandy Ceniseros
MOPS of First Baptist Church

Welcome Home
Little One
Jackie Ehtesham and family
were blessed with a baby boy
on Nov. 22nd. Rico Darius
measured 8 lbs. 15oz. and 21”!
Stephanie Gage and family were
blessed with a baby girl on Dec.
6th. Baby Ainsley measured
over 7lbs. & 20”!
Congratulations!
Our Neighborhood
Live Outdoor Nativity: 12/14,
15 & 16 Christ the King Lutheran
Church on Walnut, Orangevale
7:00, 7:45 & 8:30pm
See the planet Mars: 12/15
Placer Nature Centers Stars,
Auburn $6 all ages 5-7pm 530-
878-6053 for reservations
placernaturecenter.org
Make a scented sachet:
12/15 Discovery Museum’s
Science & Space Center $3-$5
museum admission 575-3941
www.thediscovery.org
Indian Museum Free Day:
12/18-20 Maidu Historic Site
Rsvl. 774-5934
Free Holiday Concert: 12/19
Performed by American River
College Orchestra at Mission
Oaks Community Center, Cmcl.
972-0336 www.morpd.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT HERALD
RECENT RENOVATIONS!
The Ehtesham & Gage homes have increased by
NEARING COMPLETION DATES!
The following moms are awaiting additions to their homes:
two feet each! Deanna McDaniel - 1/4/08, Amy Horel - 2/25,
EARLY DEVELOPMENT STAGES!
Heather Scherber - 3/20
Let us know if “home improvement” plans are in the works for you!
Where to go to see the best lights!
Dovewood Court Parade of Lights in Orangevale and the Live Nativity
across the street at Christ the King Lutheran Church! You can’t take it all in by car (tho’
driving is warmer), so park and treat your family to a wonderful stroll around Dovewood and
then the Nativity production across the street! Bring hot chocolate in travel mugs and a holiday
treat or just some graham crackers and your kids will be extra happy. Bundle up!!! The earlier
you view Dovewood, the better - it is open 5:30-10pm, Dec. 2-25 Go down Madison Ave. toward
O’vale, cross over Pershing & then turn left on Walnut (not a light) & park on Walnut or in the Christ
the King Lutheran Church parking lot. Live Nativity is Dec. 14, 15 & 16 only at 7, 7:45 or 8:30pm.
(just a suggestion: bring canned food for Dovewood Food for Families canned food drive)
Many also trek up to Roseville to see the spectacular light displays in Stanford Ranch. There
are huge displays of lights about 3 blocks around just behind the Stanford Ranch Bel Air.
Take 80 to 65 and exit right at Stanford Ranch. Turn left on Sunset and then right on Pebble Creek.
Unfortunately, the Carmichael “Holiday House” will not be running this year.
More about that: www.lightupxmas.com. For more suggestions,
check out http://cbs13.com/12daves.
Helen Chun (12/1) Marcia Smith (12/3)
Learn about opossums: 12/22
Heather Donelson (12/4) Tina Pierce (12/25)
Jesus(12/25)
Jesus
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850
San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael
$4 parking 489-4918
Fairytale own FREE Admis-
sion: 12/24 264-5233
www.fairytaletown.org
Magic Show at Library:
12/27 Rancho Cordova Library
264-2920 www.saclibrary.org
Make Tissue Butterflies:
12/29 Discovery Museums Sci-
ence & Space Center, 575-3941
www.thediscovery.org
Explore habitat at river’s
edge: 12/30 Effie Yeaw Nature
Center 489-4918
Source for events: Sacramento
Parents’ Monthly
2
 From the Kitchen
Two Minute Microwave Fudge
INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:
1 lb powdered sugar Stir sugar, cocoa and salt
½ cup cocoa together in a 1 ½ qt cas-
¼ tsp salt serole. Make a well in center and add milk and
1 cup chopped nuts (optional) butter. Cook 2 minutes (or until butter is
¼ cup milk melted) on high. Beat with electric mixer until
1 Tbsp vanilla smooth. Add nuts and vanilla; stir and pour
½ cup butter into a 6 X 10” pan or dish. Chill 1 hour then
cut into squares.
Yummy Cut Out Cookies
INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:
1 ½ cups powdered sugar Mix the sugar, butter, egg, vanilla and almond ex-
1 cup butter (do not substi- tract. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients.
tute) Slowly add dry ingredients to butter mixture. Mix
1 egg well. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll out to desired
½ tsp vanilla thickness and cut into shapes. Bake at 350º for 6 to
½ tsp almond extract For Frosting: 10 minutes. The thickness determines the baking
2 ½ cups flour (all purpose) 3 cups powdered sugar time. Frost when cooled.
1 tsp cream of tartar 1/3 cup butter
1 ½ tsp almond extract Salty Sweet Pretzels
INGREDIENTS:
Candy Cane Cookies Hershey’s Kisses &
INGREDIENTS: Hershey’s Hugs
Bite-size, waffle-shaped
¾ cup butter, softened pretzels, M&Ms candies
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp peppermint extract DIRECTIONS:
½ tsp vanilla extract Heat the oven to 170º.
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels
Red food coloring (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie
sheet lined with parchment paper, then top each
DIRECTIONS:
pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss or Hug.
Preheat the oven to 375º. In a large bowl, cream the butter Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will
and sugar. Add the egg and beat well. Stir in the pepper- melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft
mint and vanilla extracts. Gradually mix in the flour. Di- when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the
vide the dough in half. Color one half with red food color- cookie sheet from oven and quickly press an M&M
ing and leave the other half plain. Roll out a tablespoon of candy into the center of each Kiss/Hug. Allow the
red dough and a tablespoon of plain until they are each 6 to treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in
8 inches long. Twist them into a candy cane, pinching the the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place
ends. Repeat. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 8 to handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie
10 minutes, or until set but not brown. Makes about 25. on colorful ribbons.

3
Twas the night before Christmas
(Mom’s version)
Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru the
abode only one creature was stirring, and she was
cleaning the commode. The children were finally sleeping,
all snug in their beds, while visions of N-64 and
Barbie, flipped through their heads. Favorite
The dad was snoring in front of the TV, with a
Half constructed bicycle propped on his knee. So only the
mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter, which made her Christmas Traditions
sigh, "Now what is the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand, she
descended the stairs, and saw the old man. He was covered
“We make a gingerbread house each year and they get better and more elaborate with
with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug, "Oh
practice. :) We always end up playing with the icing and trying not to eat all the candy!”
great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the
- Rose Laeber
rug."
"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake." “My favorite tradition that my husband and I have started is that we go to Apple Hill
"Your gift was especially difficult to make." "Thanks, every year and get our Christmas tree with our kids and have our family picture taken
Santa, but all I want is time alone." "Exactly!" he usually with the tree and that's our Christmas card picture.” - Marcia Smith
chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone." “For Christmas, we do a Happy Birthday Jesus cake. The family loves it even my friend
"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?" "Run from Texas says "I can't wait for some more Jesus cake" (unfortunately she moved back
along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat." Then out to Texas so now she can't have any with us). Also, we always go look at lights -
walked the clone - The mother's twin, same hair, same
throughout Roseville/Rocklin as well as Dove Court. And we LOVE going to Nevada
eyes, same double chin. "She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll
City for their Ol' Time Christmas, however, this year, we are passing due to too much
mop every mess. You'll relax, take it easy, watch The
walking for me so I am a little sad but we will pick it back up next year with the newest
Young & The Restless." "Fantastic!" the mom cheered.
member of our family.” - Deanna McDaniel
"My dream has come true!" "I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep
a night through!" “Every year we each add an ornament to our Christmas tree with something meaningful
From the room above, the youngest did fret. "Mommy?! from throughout the year. For example, this year we added a fishing ornament, be-
Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet." The clone replied, cause Carter caught his first fish with dad. Paul added a picture of our family. I added
"I'm coming, sweetheart." "Hey," the mom my mini ceramic teapot from this past MOPS Tea and Treasures in March 2007. It is so
smiled, "She sure knows her part." The clone changed special to reminisce as we place our ornaments on the tree each year and realize how
the small one and hummed her tune, as she bundled blessed we are. We also sing Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas morning.” - Becky
the child in a blanket cocoon. "You're the best mommy Moos
ever. I really love you." The clone smiled and sighed,
“Our family traditions begin with going to Apple Hill to get our Christmas tree the day
"And I love you, too."
after Thanksgiving. We begin a devotional reading of the Birth of Christ and put a small
The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal."
gift under the tree beginning Dec 1st for each child. We give coats and other items to
That's my child's LOVE she is trying to steal." Smiling
those less fortunate than ourselves and make gingerbread cookies and a gingerbread
wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear, only one loving
mother is needed here." The mom kissed her child and house. Merry Christmas!” - Doria Wallentine
tucked her in bed. "Thank You, Santa, for clearing my “We always celebrate Sabrina’s birthday and the next weekend we put up the tree. All
head. I sometimes forget, it won't be very long, when the kids have a special person that they shop for. I also try to donate coats and clothes
they'll be too old for my cradle and song." to those less fortunate than us.” - Julie Jones
The clock on the mantle began to chime. Santa whispered
“It doesn’t really feel like Christmastime until we get our tree - so we start with that. Egg
to the clone, "It works every time." With the
Nog, Christmas Music and just a little bit of frustration with the Christmas Lights and
clone by his side Santa said "Goodnight. Merry Christmas,
we’re on our way to decorating our tree as a family. We love to talk about the orna-
dear Mom, You will be all right."
ments and the memories attached to them as we’re decorating. The kids always seem
Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about.
to be in awe (again) that we’re bringing a real live tree IN to the house. That’s my fave,
Especially at times during the Holiday season, when all
we seem to do is clean and bake and shop and and and but I also love going to view the lights at Dovewood Court and the Live Nativity play with
and ....You get the picture, I'm sure. So stop for a moment hot chocolate, mittens & scarves. We read “The Night Before Christmas” on Christmas
and hug that little one so special, whether he/she Eve and “The Story of Jesus” on Christmas morning.” - Courtney Phelps
is 2 months or 22 years, or even older than that. “Our family tradition is to have a birthday party for Jesus on Christmas Day. We have
For they are the Gift that God gave us in life... and what had the party in the morning with a cinnamon roll cake, candles, singing, etc. Or we
a gift to be treasured, far above any other! Merry have an ice cream cake after dinner with candles, singing, etc. What we GIVE Jesus for
Christmas to all! His birthday present, is our heart, mind, body, and soul.” - Lisalee Egbert

By Karen Spiegler

4

The Legend of the Candy Cane
Many years ago, a candy maker wanted to make a
candy that symbolized the true meaning of Christmas -
Jesus. The hard candy was shaped like a “J” to
represent Jesus’ name. The color white stands
for the pureness of Jesus. The color red
represents the blood Jesus shed for us.
Moving Up in MOPPETS
As you know, January is the only time dur-
ing the MOPS year that your child may
move up to an older group. This will take
place in our first January meeting. Chil-
dren wishing to be in the 3 year old pro-
gram must be 3 AND potty trained com-
pletely. If your child turned 3 this fall and
is fully potty trained, you can expect her
to move up in January. The children from
infants to age 2 will continue to move
within the nursery as is developmentally
appropriate.
Festive Photo
www.familyfun.com
1. For each card, meas-
ure and cut a 9- by 4-
inch piece of card stock
and fold it in half.
Starting at the fold,
draw a simple ornament shape, tracing around the jar
lid to create the round portion. Cut out the ornament,
going through both layers but leaving the fold intact.
2. Open up the cutout and lay a 9-inch length of string
or cording across the crease, as
shown.
3. Apply glue to the paper just
below it, refold the paper, and
tie the string ends together to
form a hanging loop.
4. Cut a square from the shiny paper to fold over the
top of the ornament, using craft scissors for decorative
edges, if you like. Stick it in place with glue dots.
Decorate the outside with glitter glue or stickers, then
glue a photo, trimmed to fit, inside the card.
C O R N e R
Christmas Crew Craft
Supplies: Cardboard tissue tubes, construction paper, scissors, craft glue
1. Begin by wrapping Pinch the top of the
each cardboard tube hat closed and trim
with a 4- by 6-inch pa- with a paper pom-
per rectangle, choosing pom. Add a brow
an appropriate base band in a contrasting
color for each charac- color. For the snow-
ter. Glue the paper in man's and soldier's
place. hats, start by rolling and gluing a 2-
2. To make faces for the angel, Santa, by 5-inch paper rectangle into a cylin-
soldier and elf, cut 3-inch-wide circles der. Make small slits along one end
out of orange or pink paper, and glue and fold the tabs in toward the center
them onto the tubes. of the cylinder. Glue a 2 ½-inch circle
3. For facial features, cut small circles on top of the tabs. Trim.
for eyes and noses, mini rectangles for 5. Finish with distinguishing details
eyebrows and crescent shapes for for each figure. Frame the angel's face
mouths and moustaches. Roll a tiny or- with yellow curls and a lacy collar.
ange cone for the snowman's nose, then Add a halo and wings. Complete
make four small snips around the cone's Santa's uniform with a broad black
base and glue the tabs to his face. For belt and buckle. Decorate the soldier
Santa's beard, glue on layers of 1-inch- with golden epaulets, coat lapels, and
wide white paper circles. buttons. Fringe the ends of a 1- by 7-
4. To make a tall, pointed hat for Santa inch rectangle for the snowman's
or the elf, wrap a 2- by 5-inch paper rec- scarf. Glue on pointed elf ears and
tangle around the tube top and glue the feet, and top off the reindeer with
overlapped edges together. antlers and ears.
Some children were asked,
“What does Christmas mean to you?”
“Christmas Tree, Candy Canes, Santa Claus, and putting Rainbow Ornaments
on the Tree.” Carter Moos (almost 3)
“Get the light on, put those on (pointed at ornaments) and baby, actually the star...”
Hannah Phelps (3)
“Presents, ornaments, lights, trees…” Why do we celebrate Christmas? “because baby Jesus died
on the cross, that’s why we celebrate to remember, and Jesus’ birthday.” Daven Brooks (4)
“It’s kind of like a special birthday because it’s Jesus’ birthday and Christmas is presents
and Santa Claus and our family being together when it’s Christmas...” Nathan Phelps (6)
5
 DECEMBER 2007 MOPS
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat CLASSIFIEDS
30 31 1

Helen Chun’s FREE Crib! Excellent cond., nat. wood,

New Year’s Eve Birthday! flat slat. Call Susan 248-9191

2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Marcia Heather
Smith’s Donelson’s
Birthday! Birthday!
“I just want to say a big thank you to all of you
9 10 11 MOPS 12 13 14 15 MOPS who contacted me (or tried to contact me)
Meeting! after my shoulder injury. I greatly appreciate
9:15-11:30am those of you that brought food over, volunteered
to help, or just called to see how I was doing. It
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 meant alot to me and my husband and we were
9 & 10:45am truly blessed because of the outpouring of sup-
CCC Services: port. Thank you again!” Vickie Turnquist
Ken Medema
Stay Connected!!
23 24 Child Star 25 Tina Pierce’s 26 27 28 29
9 & 10:45am Musical 4 & 6pm If you haven’t already done so, please join our CCC
Birthday!
CCC Services: Candlelight 11pm MOPS Email group - Simply send a blank email to:
Child Star Jesus’ Birthday!
cccmopsconnected-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Musical Christmas Eve Christmas
Do you have Friends or Family who are interested
in joining our MOPS group? We currently have 6
The Christmas Story openings and would love to have them join us!
Luke 2:4-14 King James Version
If you happened upon this Newsletter and are
4 And Joseph also went up from Gali- interested in joining MOPS, please do!
lee, out of the city of Nazareth,
MOPS meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays
into Judea, unto the city of David, 9:15-11:30am September-May
which is called Bethlehem; (because
he was of the house and lineage of For questions regarding CCC MOPS,
Call M’Lisse Stone. 916-489-0602
David)
www.CCCMOPS.com
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished For questions regarding MOPPETS,
that she should be delivered. Call Julie Jones. 916-729-7106
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling For anything Newsletter related,
clothes, and laid him in a maner; because there was no room for them in Email courtney.phelps@sbcglobal.net
the inn. For Women’s Ministry,
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, Call Jana Michaelsen. 916-344-2382
keeping watch over their flock by night. Christ Community Church
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the 5025 Manzanita Ave.
Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. Carmichael, CA 95608
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good

11
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ Community Church
Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.