Christine
C.
Coordinator
Hi, my name is Christine.
I have been married to my wonderful husband John
for 10 years.We have three great kids, Drew 13,
Katie 3 1/2 and Luke 16 months. Life is pretty
crazy for our family so there isn't much family
down time, but we love to go camping (we just
bought a camper) and we love to watch our oldest
son play sports. I also love just hanging out
with my friends with a good cup of coffee :) Coffee
anyone!!
I worked at Bank of America for 12 years prior
to having Katie as a Branch Manager.
Being a mother definitely has it's challenges,
but what I love most is watching them laugh, play,
and grow up together.
One thing my husband would tell you about me
is... is that I get a little crazy when my
house is messy, which is all the time :)
When I was growing up I wanted to be...
a school counselor. Now that I am all grown up
I am perfectly happy being a domestic goddess.
One thing my oldest son would tell you about
me... is that I am a good cook, which is so
funny because everything that I cook is usually
out of a box. I am glad he doesn't have high expectations.
LeAnne
W.
> Publicity (Newsletter/Website)
Hi! My name is LeAnne. This year, my
husband, Chad, and I will be celebrating our 10th
anniversary. We have two busy little girls, 5-1/2
year old Bridget ("Bridgie" or "Bug")
and 3-1/2 year old Claire ("Pip" or "Miss
Pippa" - from "Pipsqueak"). When I
am not chasing after or refereeing my girls, I try
to squeeze in time for reading, cooking and freelance
work. Before having Bridget, I worked as an art director
for a web design/development firm. Now that I stay
home, I try to find ways to infuse my passion for
design into daily life - so, pretty much, I do a lot
of drawing, coloring, playdoh, and crafts with the
girls. Definitely a different caliber of "client"
than in my previous job... Being a mother is much
more work than I ever thought it could possibly be,
and it has given me a deeper appreciation of the amazing
job my mom did. But, the thing I like most about being
"mommy" is that I find myself laughing really
hard at something funny the girls have done or said
at least once a day... and I love to laugh.
When I was growing up, I wanted to
be... an author and illustrator. Now that I
am grown up, I dream of... getting a lot more
sleep and eating dinner without having to get up once.
One thing my friends or husband would
tell you about me... is that, even though I am
an introvert, on occasion, I show my skills as a "human
pretzel". If I am doing that, I am having way
too much fun.
One thing my children would tell
you about me... is that I say "just a second"
and "I can only do one thing at a time"
far more often than I should!
Denine
S.
> Creative Activities
Hi, I'm Denine and I am sharing the
Creative Activity Leadership position with Heather
W this year. I am a stay-at-home mom to three wonderful
boys - Jackson (9), Declan (7) and Carson (4). My
husband, Stephen, and I just celebrated our 14th wedding
anniversary this month (September).
Before I was a mom, I worked in the
information technology field. I just cannot imagine
myself going back to work in that area. Since becoming
a stay-at-home mom, I have delighted in taking the
time to be creative or "crafty" as my husband
calls me. From cereal box cities with the boys, to
knitting scarves, hats and purses - I enjoy making
things. I sew a little, make and design jewelry and
I dabble in paint.
When I was growing up, I wanted to
be a teacher but my career took me down a different
path. However, I am able to live the dream for a couple
of hours each month as I teach Art Start in my older
boys’ classrooms. It is great fun!
A few other things about me are
that I collect Pez Dispensers (I have over 300 on
display in my home). I am terribly frightened of spiders.
I love a nice hot cup of tea but please no coffee,
please. I am Canadian. I think that peanuts and nuts
should be banned from schools. Please do not hold
any of those things against me. :)
This is my fourth year in MOPS and I
am really looking forward to another year. I am having
fun planning the creative activities and I hope you
will enjoy being creative along with me!
Heather
W.
> Creative Activities Co-Coordinator
Hi, I am Heather and my
husband's name is Dutchin. We've been married for
7 years. I have two little boys; Hayden who just turned
4 and Dylan who is 2 1/2 years old. We love to go
camping and to parks with the boys, as well as taking
walks along the Kirkland waterfront and traveling.
My brother lives in southern California with his wife
and stepson, Eric. My parents live in Covington, WA
and are very involved in my boys' lives. Before I
was a mommy I taught kindergarten at Sunny Hills Elementary;
and prior to that I taught kindergarten in Kent, WA
as well. I was also the English as a Second Language
Specialist for an elementary school in Kent for 3
years. My first job out of college was teaching English
as a Foreign Language through the Japan Exchange and
Teaching Program (JET Program) in Maebashi, Gunma,
JAPAN. I speak Japanese to some extent; but never
get a chance to use it so I am losing it quickly!
My other "jobs" I have right now are attending
co-op preschool with Dylan in Kirkland, and volunteering
regularly on Wednesdays at Hayden's preschool. I love
being a mommy because I am investing the most important
time of my life in their early years. I am blessed
not to have to work while my kids are little; and
that is fantastic! I've been involved with MOPS since
its conception; planning and organizing the curriculum
for the MOPPETS Program. This year I take on a new
role as co-coordinator of our MOPS moms crafts.
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a teacher
and now that I am grown up; I am living out my dream.
Everyday I get to teach my boys new things, and I
love that!
One thing that my close
friends or husband would tell you about me is
that I have spent the last 2 years following my favorite
band all over the US as well as in Europe.
Deborah
S.
Mom's Night Out
Hi! My name is Deborah. My husband,
Kevin, and I will be celebrating our 11th wedding
anniversary on Oct. 12th this year. We have 3 children:
Brigid 8, Eddie 6 1/2, and Caelan 5. We have one dog,
Gracie,who along with her brother Valentino who died
this summer, has been with Kevin and I since before
we got married. We moved to the Northwest almost 3
years ago from Dallas, Texas and before that we lived
in Atlanta, Georgia. I use to be a litigation project
manager, as well as a project manager for Travelocity.com
before my son was born. Now that I stay home, I have
a home-based business as an Independent Longaberger
Consultant. I enjoy real estate, reading, scrap booking
and exercising. I've been involved with different
MOPs groups for almost 6 years and have met many wonderful
ladies.
One thing my friends or husband would
tell you about me...is that I'm very passionate
about what I'm passionate about.
One thing my children would tell
you about me...is that I can be very silly and
act very goofy from time to time. We have a lot of
fun together!
Marissa
S.
> Community Outreach
My name is Marissa Schulz. My husband,
Don, and I have been married 7 years. We have three
kiddo’s in our family: 5 1ž2 year old Matteo,
4 year old Dominick, and 2 year old Anna. As a family,
we like to go on bike rides, walks, family friendly
hikes, play games, kick around the backyard, and do
craft projects quite a bit. Aside from being the laundry
fairy and CEO of our household, I enjoy running, hiking,
reading, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Before entering the land of parenthood, I was a Vice
President of Information Technology, implementing
accounting software systems for large commercial real
estate companies. I enjoy staying home with my family,
although it is much more difficult than my former
existence in the professional arena. However, I get
great hugs everyday, have the opportunity to laugh
and know that this pajama-land-preschool-time is such
a short season in my life. I try to enjoy it as much
as I can when I’m not losing my marbles. The
thing I like most about being a mother is discovering
everyday wonders of life through the eyes of my children
– sounds cheesy, but it’s true. Who knew
that a baby bunny in our backyard could create weeks
of excitement and time to sit still?! In addition,
I love the fact that I have been given an opportunity
to reinvent myself in this life – what a gift
this transformation of motherhood has been for me.
I’m grateful for all that motherhood has brought
to my life: The unimaginable joy with my husband,
our amazing children, the wonder of it all, the ability
to laugh at myself and lose my mind on a regular basis
and finding such comfort in the importance of daily
faith, a relationship with God, and wonderful friends
to support me along this journey.
When I was growing up, I wanted to
be a
physical therapist.
Now that I am grown up, I dream of... quiet
time on a beach.
One thing my husband would tell you
about me (I actually asked him)... “She has
more shoes than a family of centipedes.”
One thing my children would tell
you about me... Matteo says that I’m a nice
Mommy who has lots of love.
Michelle
S.
Community Outreach
Alicia
P.
Hospitality
Wendy
B.
MOPPETS
Allison
Y.
MOPPETS
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Angela
H.
> Speaker Coordinator
Hi, my name is
Angela. I was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada.
I met my husband Joe 12 years ago at a wedding
in Seattle. Joe and I just celebrated our 9th
wedding anniversary. Although we both grew up
in the Pacific Northwest, we lived in Scottsdale,
Arizona for 4 years where we had our two beautiful
children. Our daughter (Alessia) is now 6 and
our son (Zachary) is now 4 1/2. We love to travel
as a family. This summer we spent time in Seaside,
Oregon, Point Roberts, WA, and Vancouver, B.C.
Before becoming
a full-time Mom, I worked for one of the largest
communication companies in Canada, which owned
television stations and sports teams. After getting
married and moving to the United States, I worked
for The Ackerly Group, an advertising company
that also owned the Seattle Sonics.
My current career
as a full-time Mom is the most important and rewarding
job of my life. I feel extremely fortunate that
I’m able to spend so much time with my children
and help them to learn new things and become good
people. I get to watch them grow and develop the
skills that they will use throughout their lives.
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a nurse.
I like helping people. Now that I’m grown
up, I dream of some day getting the sleep that
I lost after my kids were born. In a way, I attained
my childhood goal, although I spend my time being
a nurse to only my 2 children.
One thing
that my friends or husband would tell you about
me is that I don’t like to speak in public;
however, I find that I’m speaking in public
quite often the more that I get involved with
different organizations.
I asked my
children what they thought about me. Their
answer brought tears to my eyes. They said, “Our
Mommy is nice and beautiful.”
Michelle
S.
Discussion Leader Coordinator
My name is Michelle
(two L’s – not to be confused with
Michele, one L, Brady). My family calls me Chel.
My husband, Robert, and I are coming up on our
thirteenth wedding anniversary. Our eldest daughter,
Raegan, is almost four. She is our little “Rae
of Sunshine.” Lorelei, I call her Rory,
is our youngest daughter. She will be one in
November and she’s a little spitfire.
It’s hard to
believe that Robert and I were married so long
before having kids. I can barely remember that
time now. I dimly recall I had a life beyond
making pancakes, wiping bottoms and changing
diapers. After grad school, but before kids,
I worked for 10 years in 4 different jobs. My
last job was as the Director of Research at
the Seattle Community Colleges District Office.
It was one of those jobs that sounds great,
but wasn’t that fulfilling. Prior to that
I worked for a PR consulting company doing a
combination of public relations and research.
It was a great job, I learned so much, but it
was way too stressful for me and required too
many hours. Of course, now that I look back
on it, it was no more time intensive than my
current job as a Futures Investor, A.K.A. mommy.
As a family, we are
home-bodies. The kids and Robert love to have
pajama days and hole up inside. I putter around
them and try to talk them into walks around
the neighborhood. We like to have low-key barbecues
with friends and family and we have high hopes
of camping next summer.
The best part of
being a mommy is the love. It is fierce. I didn’t
expect it to be so wonderfully overwhelming.
I didn’t know I had it in me. But, even
in the midst of tantrums, constant whining and
sleepless nights, it’s there.
When I was growing
up I thought about being a writer, but didn’t
think I had the “stuff.” Now that
I am grown up, I toy with the idea of working
from home and writing, but still don’t
think I have the talent – or the time.
I can’t even go to the bathroom by myself,
let alone get more than 20 minutes at the computer!
When I asked Raegan
what she would tell you about me she said,
“Mommy always wears shoes in the house.”
She’s right. Always. I am terribly dependent
on my orthotics. Probably the result of too
many step aerobic classes in the 90’s.
I asked my husband one thing he’d tell
you about me and so far all he can come up with
is some schmaltz about me being smart, organized,
kind and generous with my time. Boy do I have
him snowed – even after 13 years!
Kirsten
S.
> MOPPETS
Hi! My name is
Kirsten Helena (Eide) Sanchez. I hated my
first name my entire life until we moved here
in 1996. No one where I grew up in Chicago
had heard of the name before, let alone could
pronounce it. One of my uncles still calls
me “Kristen”. During college, living
in Wisconsin , I told people that my name
was “Kris” hoping they could remember
it more easily. When we moved to Seattle ……lo
and behold….Kirsten is a very popular
name. People could actually pronounce it and
remember it. My last name is even very common
here! It was just a sign that we would love
it here.
Husband: Ralph: We met in Chicago at a jazz
club called Biddy Mulligan’s through
mutual Microsoft friends. A few of his MS
friends played in the band we came to see.
I really didn’t want to go out that night
but my sister and her friend convinced me
to go out. There was about 2 feet of snow
on the ground (or at least it seemed like
that much), and it was VERY cold out for a
March night in Chicago . I remember stepping
out of my sister’s car into a huge pile
of dirty slush. Luckily, I had these really
nerdy (but warm) knee high snow boots on because
I hate to be cold, so I have no idea what
Ralph saw in me! I kept those boots up until
about a year ago and finally parted with them.
They were very sentimental, but not very useful
here. We’ve been married 12 years.
Kids: 3 Boys: Parker 7, Truman 4, and Hayden
8 months.
I was a corporate technical recruiter at Microsoft
and Nordstrom. I really enjoyed my time at
Nordstrom as I had the best boss and co-workers.
I loved going to work even though I had to
drive downtown every day from the plateau.
I didn’t think that work was supposed
to be so great coming from a place like Chicago
where my job was very stressful and had hiring
quotas. Nordstrom has a great corporate culture,
or at least the division I was in had one.
We got to meet with Dan and Blake Nordstrom
regularly in our cafeteria. They really treat
their employees like family. It was such a
great experience.
I’ve always been ready to be a mom. I’ve
loved babies and children since I was a kid.
I would like to go back to work and teach
when my kids are all in school.
I’ve been involved with MOPS since Jane
& Christine brought it to MQP. I think
I may have been the 1st person to sign up…I
was very excited to finally see MQP get a
group of their own. Many of my neighbors and
friends tried to get me to sign up at the
Presbyterian church for years before than,
but it just didn’t seem right.
We spend a lot of
time (2-3 months a year) traveling long distances
to see our families all across the US , so in
our down time it’s nice to hang out at
home. We like to watch the Seahawks and Mariners….with
3 boys what else did I think I’d be doing
on weekends?!! We are pretty involved here at
church, so we also spend a lot of time at the
church in various activities.
When I was growing
up, I wanted to be a nurse or teacher. Now
that I am grown up, I dream of going into
nursing or teaching! Not much has changed!
One thing my close
friends or husband would tell you about me…I
guess that I am not a morning person. I have
a hard time getting up the morning. I think
it’s because I think of all the things
that I need to get done that day and just want
one more minute of sleep.
One thing my children
would tell you about me. “She doesn’t
like to do laundry.” “She can get
crabby when we leave Pokemon cards (or other
various items) all over the floor.” “She
also does fun things with us like crafts and
sports.”
Hello,
my name is Karen and I’ve been married
to my incredible husband, Steve, for 11
years. God has blessed us with three beautiful
daughters, Kayla (8), Megan (5 1ž2) and
Alyssa (3). I enjoy scrapbooking and card
making when I’m able to find the time
(which isn’t often these days).
Before
I had children, I worked for Golder Associates,
an International Environmental Engineering
Company, as the Human Resources and Administrative
Manager for the Seattle branch. I was with
the company for 12 years before I had my
third child and then I made the decision
to be a stay-at-home Mom.
One of
our family traditions is “Friday Night
Celebration”. Every Friday evening
we try to do something special with the
girls. It’s our time to come together
after a busy and usually very hectic week
and celebrated the start of our weekend.
I was so
thrilled when a MOPS group opened at MQP.
I joined the first year and am happy to
say this will be my fourth year with the
group. I cherish and enjoy each MOPS meeting
I attend and look forward to serving on
Steering this year. It’s been truly
wonderful to meet so many amazing people
in our parish.
When
I was growing up, I wanted to work in
the medical field. Now that I am grown
up, I dream of traveling someday with
my husband when the kids are grown.
A couple things my close friends would
tell you about me is that I am a very
happy and positive individual and also one
of the luckiest people they know (I’ve
been know to win a few radio contests in
the past).
One thing my 5 year old would tell you
about me is that I’m the “Bestest
Mommy in the whole wide world”. Boy
does she sure know how to flatter me!!
Michele
B.
Registration
Gerri
D.
> Mentor Mom
Hi, my name is Gerri
Dawson and I'm one of the Mentor Mom's. It is
such an honor to be a part of the MOPS organization
and be surrounded by such super caring mother's
and women as yourself. I am a part-time Hypnotherapist
and also enjoy using and sharing my beliefs
in NIKKEN products which promote WELLNESS HOMES.
Randy, my super duper husband of over 41 years
sometimes is one of the MOPPET volunteers and
also makes our coffee when we meet. We have
two daughters who are part of the MOPS organization
as well - Christine Chafin who is the coordinator
this year and Michelle Silbernagel who heads
up the Discussion Group Leaders and I'm sure
does other things as well.
I love to play tennis and also enjoy walking
and reading. Daily - well five times a week
anyway - I write an inspirational column and
is something I have totally enjoyed doing for
over 10 years. If you would like to read one
of the messages or see what they're like, just
drop me an e-mail at expect-a-miracle@comcast.net
and I'll gladly send you the days message
dubbed "God Calling" and put
you on the list. It is free.
As a member of the MOPS organization, you are
daily in our prayers. It's going to be a great
year filled with many wonderful experiences
and opportunities to gain new friends and grow
closer to Our Lord who loves us so deeply. God
bless.
Susan
E.
Mentor Mom
Colleen
O'C.
MQP Pastoral Associate &
Mentor Mom
It is an exciting
prospect to be a Mentor Mom with a more active
role this year. I hope to have a chance to get
to know more of you this way. How I wish MOPS
had been available when my four children were
small. May you come to remember these days in
MOPS with gratitude and fond memories. Our theme
this year is “The Home Factor...begin here…go
there” As a Mentor Mom and your Pastoral
Associate, I hope that we can find a way to
see this theme lived out in your home and your
church community. I have always felt “at
home” here at Mary, Queen of Peace, and
I hope that you do too. If not, then let’s
work towards that end this year!
Personally, I have 3 sons and 1 daughter. Together,
they have gifted me with 7 grandchildren, 5
girls and 2 boys. They are the love of my life.
I also have 2 cats who keep me company at home.
I enjoy quilting and giving away my creations.
Reading mysteries is another one of my fun things
to do.
My wish is that this year brings new life to
you, your home, and your parish community. We
are all blessed in so many ways, let’s
celebrate all of this!
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