I went through the pictures on my camera and realized that I had not shared some of the great times we had at the end of summer.  So here they are.

Natalie and Sam

 This is Samantha, Natalie’s friend.  This girl has such a big heart and I feel honored to know her.  She looks past Natalie’s “differences” and enjoys being her friend.  She is a blessing and I pray she is blessed for her compassion.   Samantha reads to Natalie and Natalie loves it. 

Phoebe at Christmas in July. This was at First Church

This is how the kids and some adults got wet!

Too much fun!!

This was an event held at our home church supporting a ministry that takes toys to children that are in the hospital over the holidays.  It was Christmas in July, they had a Polar Plunge, Kona Ice, all kinds of games and sweet treats.  The admission was a new toy to donate.  The kids had a blast.  As you can see the local fire department came and opened up a hydrant to “cool” off everyone.  I couldn’t tell if the fireman were having more fun than the kids.

First day of 4th grade

First day of kindergarten

The first day of school was great!  Everyone, including mom did well.  It was tough seeing Phoebe go off to school.  She’s my baby.  It is odd not having her around all the time.  She loves her teacher and is having tons of fun.  Natalie’s notebook is coming home saying she is having a terrific time in school.  She is all smiles and enjoys her class. We are getting used to the new routines of baths, stories, bed.  It is hard because it is still light out at 8:15-8:30. 

Okay, so I went to the Beth Moore Simulcast.  All I can say is “WHOA”  It was awesome.  I tried to take some pictures but they came out way to dark..bummer.  Her teaching was incredible.  She taught on Psalm 37.  I love how she gets you to a point where you want to dig and dig into God’s word. She puts it on an easy to understand, break it down way.   I had so many “moments” this weekend and I was nudged in my heart about some things.  Oh, and the worship, just let me tell you about the worship.  Rocking!! Clapping, moving, hands raised praising.  It was amazing.  It was just what I needed.  Travis Cottrell is a gifted worship leader.  If you can ever get to a simulcast or get to the real deal…GO!!  You won’t regret it.  I am forever blessed. 

Well, Phoebe turned 5 today so I will be posting pictures about that soon.  We took mini cupcakes to school and I helped in the room.  When Natalie got home we took Phoebe out to dinner and let her open one gift.  She is having a party on Saturday with family and than one with her friends the following week.  I am really tired so have a blessed rest of the week. 

Oh, Natalie is having some minor surgery on Friday, so could you say a prayer for her.  Things that are simple can get complicated quickly with kids like her.  I am confident that God will blanket her with his protection and peace.  Thanks so much and I will update you on how things go. 

Well today is a bittersweet day for me.  It was my last MOPS meeting.  If you are not familiar with Mops, it stands for mothers of preschoolers.  It’s a wonderful ministry that nurtures and grows women in their motherhood adventure.

I have to say that when I walked into my first MOPS meeting in 1999, I had no idea I would still be going to meetings in 2009.  MOPS has meant so much to me.  I have met wonderful, amazing women.  I have developed friendships, served on the steering teams, and grown as a women, wife, mom and friend.  When life was extremely difficult, my MOPS buddies were always there to carry me.  When Natalie went through her tragedy, MOPS really stepped up. The women loved on me, they brought meals..to the hospital and then when we were sent home they came there too.  They sent cards and became strong prayer warriors. 

MOPS has allowed me to grow closer to Jesus.  It has helped me deepen my relationship with Christ.  I desired to be a godly women, wife, mother, friend, daughter and sister.  The women in the groups I have attended  allowed me to be me.  The good, bad, and ugly.  It has given me leadership skills that I didn’t know I posses.  It has been my outlet and my security when needed.  I am so proud to call myself a MOPS alumni. 

This chapter of my life is closing.  I have graduated from MOPS.  God has some other things planned and I want to be obedient in his destiny for my life.  I am sad, but also excited.  I know that I have built a foundation that Mops has helped pour.  Thank you MOPS for loving, encouraging, supporting, teaching, growing, serving and accepting me.  I will never forget all you have done!! 

Here is a link for MOPS International.  If you are not in MOPS and you have children, newborn to kindergarten I encourage you to check them out.  You will be blessed!

There is an organization that was created to encourage, educate and equip women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home helps thousands of moms love their lives through their many resources including conferences, website, and books.

Recently I partnered up with this organization as a blogger. Over time I hope to share with you the many resources this ministry has to offer (old ones and new). To learn more about the Hearts at Home Blogging team go here.

In the meantime I would like to encourage you to explore their website and blog for an immediate dose of mothering encouragement.