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.