Steering Team Intros... meet Nicci !

My full name is Nicci Pangle.

I'm doing the MOPS newsletter & on the Hospitality team...
assisting with MOPPETS check-in at our meetings.

I have two children -- Izayah (5) and Shaelynn (1). 

I was born in Allentown, PA.

If I had two hours of kid-free time, I would watch Netflix, 
read a book or take a nap.

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight, I'd choose Ruth's Chris Steak House. 

My fav dessert is anything with peanut butter & chocolate...

The last book I read was the Twilight series.
Last movie I saw was Anne of Green Gables. I definitely recommend both!

If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd choose energy!
Something I've learned in the last week?
Teething sucks!

It's 8pm on Saturday night...  I'm vegging out on the couch with hubby.

My favorite thing about MOPS is
fellowship with other moms...

Steering Team Intros.... meet Jennifer!

My full name is Jennifer Weathers Haren.

I'm on the Moppets team (I'm doing Curriculum for all the littles!)
& I also make thank you goodies for all of our speakers.

I have two little girls -- Maggie Denise (6) & 
Sadie Grace (almost 4).

I was born here in Anderson, SC. 

If I had two hours of kid-free time, I would go to Books-A-Million,
get coffee, & plant my bottom in the Clearance section
&/or Crafts books until I absolutely had to leave.

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight, I'd choose either
Olive Garden & have calamari, or I would
head downtown to Doolittle's & eat their fish tacos. Amazing!

My fav dessert is
fudgy chocolate cake with thick white frosting.
The last book I read was The Fault in Our Stars.
The last movie I saw was Bridesmaids.
I would definitely recommend both, but for entirely different reasons.... one is very funny & one is very not.

If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd definitely choose 

three all-expenses-paid vacations 
per year 
forEVERRRRRRR!

My favorite thing about MOPS is the friendships with other moms who are in the same phase of life as me,

knowing that I have a 24-hour hotline of trusted advice on any random question I might have,
& there is always another mama out there who will understand...
like REALLY understand... 
my crazy mom moments that don't make sense to anyone else.

Steering Team Intros... meet Abbey!

My full name is Abigail Marie Johnson Gropp.

I'm doing MOPPETS, y'all!!!

I have four children -- Zeke (9), Eliza (6), 
Emelia (4) and Jed (2).

I was born in Bradford, PA... home of the Zippo lighter. 

If I had two hours of kid-free time,
I would sleep? waste time on the computer?

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight,
I'd choose Papa's & Beer.

My fav dessert is chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

The last book I read was Stargirl. Juvenile, but enjoyable.
The last movie I saw was Planes.
Missed the ending because I was chasing a 2-year-old around the lobby... so can't really give a recommendation. 

If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd choose money!
Something I've learned in the last week?
that shredded cheese is coated in cellulose.

It's 8pm on Saturday night...  I'm counting down the minutes until the kids are in bed.

My favorite thing about MOPS is all the lovely ladies!!!

Steering Team Intros... meet Sarah!

My full name is Sarah Weathers Rettew.

I'm the Moppets Coordinator & do this little bloggy blog.

I have one little girl -- Rose Frances (2).

I was born here in Anderson, SC. 

If I had two hours of kid-free time,
I would do one of the zillions of Pinterest projects I've pinned.

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight,
I'd choose Summa Joe's. YUM!

My fav dessert is those frosted sugar cookies from the grocery store. I can kill an entire box if left unsupervised.

The last book I read?
I'm currently reading The Fault in Our Stars...
I'm pretty sure it's going to be recommendation-worthy.
The last movie I saw? You mean complete movie without chasing a 2-year-old around the theater lobby?
That would be Despicable Me 2. Loved it!

If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd choose money. 
or coffee k-cups.
Something I've learned in the last week?
People who say "I'd rather have a root canal than do ____" have clearly never had a root canal.

It's 8pm on Saturday night...  I'm busy. It seems like Saturdays are ALWAYS busy at our house.

My favorite thing about MOPS is the friendships. These ladies are my first real "mom friends" & I kinda love 'em!

Steering Team Intros... meet Crystal !

My full name is Crystal Estes Smith.

I'm the MOPS Kitchen Manager.

I have three children -- Sarah (10), Jackson (8) & Grayson (3).

I was born here in Anderson, SC.

If I had two hours of kid-free time,
I would watch HGTV!

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight, I'd choose Tokyo Bay.

My fav dessert is chocolate with almonds.

The last book I read was Crazy Love.
The last movie I saw was Despicable Me 2.
Yep, I'd recommend both!
If I could go on a road trip with anyone, I'd take my siblings because they don't live close by... we'd venture out west!

If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd choose money... 
of course!
Something I've learned in the last week?
How to dry out the inside of my car after leaving the sunroof open in the rain!

It's 8pm on Saturday night...  I'm at home with my family or we could all be at Target :)

My favorite thing about MOPS is
the speakers, 
including the devotionals!

Tasty Tuesday: Creamy Cilantro Dip

Katie shared this dip with us during one of our ST meetings & it's SO good!

(photo source)

The Ingredients:

• 16 oz sour cream
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• 16 oz mayonnaise
• 1 package ranch dip mix
• 1 small jar jalapenos, mild or hot (Katie uses the sliced ones used for nachos)
  

The Directions:

Drain jalapenos. Trim cilantro if necessary (some people use stems, some don't). Put all ingredients in a blender & process until smooth. Serve with tortilla chips. YUM!

Steering Team Intros... meet Becca!

My full name is Rebecca Hobbs.

I'm on the Outreach team... I'm welcoming
new moms to MOPS this year!

I have three children -- Cailyn (10), Lydia (6) & Evan (4).

I was born in Indiana.

If I had two hours of kid-free time,
I would visit with a friend & go to lunch.

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight,
I'd choose Sullivan's for sure!

My fav snack is Doritos... 
can't resist them. 

What subject do I wish I had paid more attention in school?
I took a class in college called 
"Stress Management Strategies"
... those techniques would come in handy some days! 

If I could win a lifetime supply of anything,
I'd choose groceries! Is that cheating? HA!
Something I've learned in the last week?
My son is WILD around groups of little boys! We just signed up for soccer & mine is the one bouncing EVERYwhere!

It's 8pm on Saturday night...
 I'm watching a movie with my husband.

My favorite thing about MOPS is
meeting new people!

Steering Team Intros.... meet Kelly!

My full name is Kelly Gordon Arthur.

I'm on the MOPS Outreach team. I coordinate Meals for Mamas...
we bring food to our MOPS moms with new babies.

I have three children -- Trace (5), Zack (3) and Brinkley (1). 

I was born in Spartanburg, SC.

If I had two hours of kid-free time, I would sew!...  I have a small business called Brinkley's Boutique where I make dresses, embroider, curtains, etc.
I can make just about anything & love a challenge! 

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight, I'd choose Cancun... 
my favorite Mexican restaurant!

My fav dessert is ice cream & swiss cake rolls.

I'm not a reader unless you count the magazines at the grocery store check-out line.
The last movie I saw was Planes... yep, would recommend it!

If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd choose
toilet paper... because it seems like we're ALWAYS out!
Something I've learned in the last week?
Potty training is hard. Extremely hard.

It's 8pm on Saturday night...  I'm watching Inside Edition, getting the baby to sleep & waiting to see how many times the boys can get out of bed.

My favorite thing about MOPS is meeting other moms....
& the crafts during our meetings!

Steering Team Intros... meet Emily!

My full name is Emily Nicole Walker.

I'm on the Outreach team... I coordinate the Moms Nights Out & MOPS On The Town events, as well as help MOPS mamas find their way through our new meeting facilities! 

I have two children -- Sydney Elizabeth (2) and 
Claire Isabella (7 months). 

I was born in Ft Walton, FL.

If I had two hours of kid-free time, I would
read and eat something without hiding it.

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight, I'd choose Sullivan's. 

My fav dessert is oatmeal with chocolate chips... it sounds weird, but it's basically a bowl full of warm oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. YUM!

The last book I read was Baby Sleep: The Secret to Helping Your Child Sleep Through the Night.
Last movie I saw was the newest Star Trek. Yep, I'm a nerd.

If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd choose milk...
unless weekly massages count as a "supply" of something. in that case, I choose massages.
Something I've learned in the last week? 
Scotland's National Animal is the Unicorn.
Seriously.

It's 8pm on Saturday night...  I'm spending time with family!

My favorite thing about MOPS is the opportunity to meet new moms.... & I especially like the Moms Nights Out (MNO)!

Steering Team Intros... meet Katie!

My full name is Katie Michelle Bell.

I'm on the MOPS Craft team. 

I have three children -- Avery Marie (3), Landon Kyle (2) and 
Baby #3 (due in January). 

I was born in Wharton, TX.

If I had two hours of kid-free time, I would take a NAP!!

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight, I'd choose Chuy's
in Greenville.

My fav dessert is Blue Bell ice cream.

The last book I read was Unglued by Lisa Terkeurst... LOVED it! 
The last movie I saw was Safe Haven... it was cute.

If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd choose
airline tickets so we could visit family whenever we wanted.
Something I've learned in the last week?
How important naps are for toddlers. ;)

It's 8pm on Saturday night...  I'm praying for
an easy & smooth bedtime.

My favorite things about MOPS are the fellowship 
with other moms,
the great information from the speakers
& the super-fun crafts!

Steering Team Intros... meet Becky!

My full name is Rebekah Yohe.

I'm getting crafty with Crafts.

I have two children -- Avery (3) and Haysley (2).
Yes, they are 15 months apart. No, I don't get out much.

I was born in Leesburg, FL... translation, an hour north of Orlando. 

If I had two hours of kid-free time,
I would paint, create, organize... not all at once. 

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight?
Kaula Fish Bar in Palm Beach Gardens, FL...
but that's probably not helpful if you're asking for current locations, hah!
How about J. Peters?

My fav snack is anything with peanut butter :) 

The last book I completed was B.C. (before children). Not really a reader, lol...
And movie would have to be whatever's available at the Redbox.
We'll rent mostly anything when it's a dollar... 

If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd choose
laser hair removal.
Something I've learned in the last week?
T.L. Hanna's marching band has already started practicing... early.

It's 8pm on Saturday night...  I'm putting in a movie.

My favorite thing about MOPS is getting connected 
& loving on other moms!

Steering Team Intros... meet Melissa!

My full name is Melissa Christine Canney.

I'm the MOPS Treasurer. 

I have four children -- Addison (6), Emerson (4), Ellody (2) and Annabelle (3 months). 

I was born in Salem, NJ.

If I had two hours of kid-free time, I would
go to Starbucks & Target.

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight, I'd choose Sullivan's. 

My fav snack is salty... chips & dip!

The last book I read was Loving the Little Years.

Subject that I wish I had paid more attention to in school?
Home Ec... I'm seriously lacking in the crafty department!
If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd choose gift cards to Starbucks!
Something I've learned in the last week?
There's a "back to school" thing tomorrow at my girls' school that I had no idea about... & my hubs is the principal! Oops.

It's 8pm on Saturday night...  I'm putting kids to bed. 

My favorite thing about MOPS is the relationships I get to build with other moms doing life together!

Steering Team Intros... meet Margaret!

My full name is Margaret O'Driscoll Berry.

I try to maintain a semblance of order & control (aka the MOPS Coordinator.) 

I have three children -- Caleb (5), Cooper (3) and 
Lucas (arriving in Sept). 

I was born in Emporia, KS.

If I had two hours of kid-free time, I would
catch up on Downton Abbey while getting a pedicure.

If I could go out to dinner anywhere tonight, I'd choose Melting Pot. 

My fav dessert is  chocolate & peanut butter...

The last book I read was Sparkly Green Earrings. Last movie I saw was Chasing Mavericks. Yep, I recommend both!

Subject that I wish I had paid more attention to in school?
South Carolina history!... because I've ended up living here most of my life.
If I could win a lifetime supply of anything, I'd choose sunglasses...
I have the hardest time finding the perfect pair!
Something I've learned in the last week? 
Baby teeth are necessary space maintainers for permanent teeth & should be kept as long as possible.
You're welcome.

It's 8pm on Saturday night...  I'm doing the same thing as all the other nights!
Ahhhh, life with preschoolers! :) 

My favorite things about MOPS are spending time with Steering Team, Moms Night Out, &  feeling accepted! 

Tasty Tuesday: Eclair Cake

This delicious dessert was shared by Emily... YUM!

(photo source)

The Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar (estimated)
• 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding
• 3 cups milk
• 1 box graham crackers
• chocolate icing

The Directions:

Whip the cream until firm. Add sugar until lightly sweet (Emily just added small amounts until it tasted good). Stir in pudding mixes & milk. Refrigerate 10 minutes or until thickened.

Line bottom of 13x9 pan with graham crackers. Add half of the cream/pudding mixture. Add another layer of graham crackers, then add remaining half of pudding mixture. Finish with one more layer of crackers.

Soften icing in microwave & pour over the graham crackers. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

Tasty Tuesday: Hot Corn Dip

 This recipe was shared by Ansley, one of our MOPS mamas who has since "graduated" (aka, her daughter is starting kindergarten). This dip is super good & could be used as a side dish or an appetizer.

(photo source)

The Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 1/2 cups corn kernels (from 4 ears of fresh corn)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green onion, green & white parts finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeded & minced 
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 to 1 cup mayonnaise
• 4 oz monterey jack or cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• tortilla chips

The Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a large heavy skillet over med-high heat. Add corn, salt & pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels turn deep golden brown, about 5 mins. Transfer to a bowl.

Melt remaining tbsp of butter in skillet. Add onions & bell peppers & cook, stirring often, until onions are wilted, about 2 mins. Add green onions, jalapeno & garlic & cook, stirring often, for 2 mins or until vegetables are softened. Transfer to bowl with corn.

Add mayonnaise, 1/2 of the cheese & cayenne to the corn mixture & stir well. Pour into 8-inch square baking dish & sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Bake until bubbly & golden brown, about 10-12 mins. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Tasty Tuesday: Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding

Tiffany T. made a Krispy Kreme bread pudding for our December... YUM. How can something made with Krispy Kreme doughnuts NOT be good?!? :)

(photo source)

The Ingredients:

• 9 glazed day-old KK doughnuts
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tbsp
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 cups milk
• raisins (optional)

The Directions:

Grease 2-quart baking dish. Cut doughnuts into 1/2-inch cubes & spread evenly in dish. Add raisins if desired. Whisk together remainder of ingredients & pour over doughnuts. Mash things around a bit to make sure that doughnuts are saturated.

Let sit for one hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place dish in a shallow pan & fill with water. Bake for 70-75 mins, or until center is firm.