Thank You!

We are fresh from the 2009 Mom Squad luncheon at Hartville Kitchen and have to say thank you....for everything! Thank you for filling the seats, coming with open hearts and making the event a great experience. The food and service at Hartville Kitchen was excellent (as always). We also thank Quail's Covey in Hartville for hosting our speaker Julie Barnhill, and offering our Willing Hands winner an overnight stay. Thank you to Vitamix, Laus Deo Salon, and Jamie Jansen Photography. We must also thank the amazing performers who shared their talent with us. Sean McNeil, Praise-aPella, and Julie Barnhill (sooo funny)! We will be posting more photos in a few days, but for now, enjoy the slide show recap of our luncheon "Heavenly Peace". Merry Christmas and God bless you!

Get Cooking!

If you are preparing to make Christmas cookies this year, click here for some fantastic recipe ideas! Everything from no-bake cookies to fudge and traditional sugar cookies. Hundreds of tips and tasty recipes sure to please friends and family!:)

Remember the Special People in Your Life

The Holidays can be such a special time. The colors, the lights, wonderful aromas, special music and gift giving. I was thanking God today and just thinking back over the past several months at how many times He has blessed me with the kindness of total strangers. I have a magnificent professor of Psychology, Dr. Michelle Green, Ph.D. at Argosy Online University. She goes above and beyond the call of duty for each and every student. Not only does she share her knowledge, wisdom and experience, she encourages us to dig deeper via various websites that she offers, books and television programming that she feels will help students to understand and embrace the subject matter. Is there a Michelle Green in your life? Someone that you may not see often or maybe, like in this case, you have never even met but some how they enrich your life beyond measure...a handy man...the Hospice aid...the crossing guard at your child's school? This holiday time would be a wonderful time to remember them. Do a little something for them just to say, "Thank you. I appreciate you so much!" Give love for Christmas. A little goes such a long way.

Julie Barnhill our Christmas Luncheon Speaker

I am so excited about our Mom Squad Christmas Luncheon. I can't wait to meet and hear Julie Barnhill. Not only is she funny and exciting to listen to - but she knows her stuff when it comes to parenting. Since all moms need a little encouragement in that area, I'm looking forward to sipping coffee while she steps into my world.

Julie has written 11 books and many articles. I'm currently reading her book, Motherhood: The guilt that keeps on giving. I think every mother on the planet spends some time in her life wondering if she's completely messed up her child's life. Because we know that our work is important, we all struggle with self-esteem and wonder if we've "done it right."

In her book, Julie has a wonderful way of encouraging you to keep reaching for the goal while walking the thin line that says - but....don't take yourself too seriously. She insists that we look at all the things we've done right before we tackle the things we've done wrong. She gets the fact that some things will always bug us more than others. She puts a light spin on a moms daily work load and gives insight into how to survive Mt. Guiltmore.

She offers hysterical lists that had me highlighting areas and saying - "Yeah! that's just how I feel!" But, she also brings you full circle to the reality that Jesus loves us - just like we are.

Mom Squad sisterhood....I think we are in for a wonderful Luncheon and a time together that we will never forget! Be ready to laugh until your side hurts and bring a few Kleenex for those insightful moments.

See you there,

Debbie

Luncheon Instructions

The 2009 Mom Squad luncheon is almost here! The event is sold out and we are excited for the surprises, blessings and fun in store!

We'll be posting updates and info as the day gets closer so be sure to check the blog often.

Here is some general info for you:

The tickets are being mailed out this week. You should have yours by Friday. If you do no receive them by Monday, December 7, please e-mail Brooke@955theFish.com.

-The doors will OPEN at 12:30. There is no registration (we will just take your ticket) and the seating is first come, first serve. There will be no reserved seating with the exception of the entertainers, speaker, etc. We will be at full capacity in the room so please be considerate of others and patient.

-The venue is wheelchair accessible and convenient for handicapped.

Feel free to come early and shop! Hartville Collectibles will be open, as well as the bakery. For directions and hours of operation, click here.

-We expect the luncheon to conclude at roughly 3:30.

-Photographer Jamie Jansen will be located in the lobby to take professional pictures (see post below for details).

-The dress for this occasion is...whatever you are comfortable in!:) We have received questions about what to wear and the best advice is, whatever you would wear to church. You may come as dressy or casual as you would like, but note the most beautiful thing you can wear is a smile!

-If you have submitted an entry for the Willing Hands award we wholeheartedly thank you for your submission. We have selected a winner! We do have "Honorable Mention" winners as well and we will be posting those soon.

We pray that you will have a positive experience and we are delighted you will join us. We look forward to seeing you Saturday, December 12!

Christmas Pictures with 94-year old grandmother

I had a great day today. I went with Jamie to Petitti Lawn and Garden Center in Solon. He was hired to take Santa photos. I had a great time meeting people and watching all the children go crazy over Santa.

There was a short lull in the crowd and an older lady leaned heavily on her cane while she shuffled along. She stopped and eyed Santa. Little by little her smiled grew wider. I approached and touched her on the shoulder. She barely glanced at me and continued to eye Santa. I grinned and looked at her daughter.

I touched her shoulder again. "Would you like to go up and see Santa?"

She continued to look his way. "I could do that?"

"Of Course, there's no age limit on Santa or on Christmas fun."

For the first time she looked into my eyes. "Yes!" She announced. She looked back at Santa.

Her daughter's mouth dropped. "Mom! I can't believe it. You want to see Santa."

Another strong answer. "Yes. Let's do it." She poked her cane in front of me and turned to walk around to Santa's path.

I heard a hearty "ho ho ho." Santa was obviously pleased. When she got closer she laughed and told him she was 94. He laughed and said he was 860.

Tears formed in my eyes as I watched her sit on his knee and giggle. She told him she wanted pictures to give to her children and grandchildren. She said that Christmas wasn't only for children and she wanted them to remember that they could have fun no matter what their age.

For those of you that are coming to the Mom Squad Luncheon, we have a lineup of fun treats that will lift your heart and your spirit. So come with joy and the expectancy of a child.

AND.....take a tip from this dear woman. Enjoy the season with laughter. Jamie Jansen Photography will be set up in the lobby of Hartville Kitchen. On a first come first serve basis you can have your picture taken with your friends, children, mom or just by yourself. Most of the time Moms are behind the camera. Take this chance to not only have a professional portrait made, but like this dear woman - make a statement to your family. Let them know that this is the time for celebration and fun.

Your photos will be professionally printed and mailed to you in time for Christmas. Or....and this is what I recommend....you can order a CD disc with a signed release form. That means that you can take the disc to Wallmart, K-mart or any other photography center and have as many prints made as you like. In the long run, this option is definitely the best buy. You can print those pictures for years to come. You can make Christmas cards, calendars or key chains. Think of all the Christmas cheer you can give.

So....be prepared, come a little early (anytime after 11:00 am) and have some fun with Jamie. While you are waiting for the Luncheon to begin you can browse the Hartville gift shoppe or Art gallery. The Luncheon doors will open at 12:30.

To see all the photography prices, click on the following link.

http://www.jamiejansenphoto.com/Pricing/Christmas%20Luncheon%20JJPhoto.pdf

See you there,

Debbie

Tips for sitting on Santa's lap

Do you have a precious but tender hearted child that seems to be afraid of meeting new people? Is grandma already asking for a picture of your little one with Santa and you know it's not going to go well? Try these tips to help your pre-schooler or toddler have a pleasant time with Santa.

Before taking your child to see Santa, purchase a fake beard. Most children haven't seen a mass of white hair or cotton on an adult. Some of their fear may be because they aren't sure if you are putting them on a person's lap or if this is actually some kind of mean animal.

Wear the beard while laughing and playing with your child. Have Daddy, grandpa and maybe even your best friend try the beard on and laugh. Allow your child to touch and investigate the beard. Let him put it on and look in the mirror.

Allow your child to make friends with several "safe" people at church or a play group. Try to pick out someone that is a little overweight or someone that has a gruff voice.

Watch movies of Santa and get excited about wanting to see him. Have fun teaching your child how to "ho-ho-ho." Purchase some red velvet (doesn't have to be more than a small block) so he can feel the texture and become familiar with the bright color.

Arrive a little early for your session and point out other children that are having fun with Santa. Be sure and point out how close "mommies" stand and how fun it will be to wave at mommy.

To save money, you can pass your purchases on to other mommies in your playgroup. You might even go so far as to find someone that has a Santa suit and will let the children practice by sitting in his lap.

While these tips may not take all your child's fears away, they will help. Remember, children are usually afraid of what they don't understand. Helping them to be familiar with the surroundings will help your child relax with Santa.

Debbie

www.mommydetective.blogspot.com