Sorry about the hack!

This Thursday we have the pleasure of hearing from Rebecca Cole. Her website is:

www.nurturemychild.com

I have attached her hand outs. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Parenting the Strong-willed child handouts 30min

This Thursday Amy Ezell will speak to our group about hiding God’s work in our children’s hearts. I can’t think of a better topic to learn about and implement…especially as we enter a season of the year that is filled with materialism and commercialism. Attached are Amy’s handouts. If you have the chance, print out before the Thursday presentation. If not, they will stay on the blog for whenever you need them!

Character Words GKGW-1

Hiding GOD’s Word In Their Hearts

Debbie Cannon sent this idea to me and said that her neighborhood does this sweet little “BOO” tradition.  I thought it was a neat idea and a way to get kids excited about blessing another family as a kick off to the holiday season! The instructions are below. I must give the blog www.skiptomylou.org the credit for this one. The blog has some great creative family ideas worth checkin out!

I’m not sure I can take on getting my whole neighborhood on board with this…at least not this year.

BUT…I do know of a few families on our street who need a little cheer up! I think at the very least…this could be a new Halloween family tradition. We will be preparing a little treat, a kind note and some home made goodies for two families. Then, pray for them before dropping off the loot.

I’m interested to know….any other mom’s have some Halloween traditions that incorporates their faith?

How to BOO!   Here you go, a free printable how to boo! We love to boo! Each year we come up with a new way to go booing. This year we will use this simple boo sign complete with instructions and gift tags. How to ‘BOO’ Download First make two copies of the booing instructions. We copied ours on cardstock. Once you have your copies, cut apart the ghost and hang on your window so everyone knows you have already been booed. Gather some fun treats for two friends, anything will do. It might be a basket or bag filled with activities ( pumpkin carving items, stickers, small game, Halloween decorations etc). The dollar store can be a great place to find things. A plate of homemade goodies is another nice gift. Cut out and attach the gift tags. Now you are ready to sneak over to your friend’s door and ding the doorbell and dash– before anyone sees! Let the booing begin! You might be interested in these booing ideas: How to start the “Boo” in your neighborhood Printable Ghost Door Hanger for “Booing” Printable “Booing” Poem

I believe a new tradition has started. Our very first Beach Blanket Bunco was an incredible success! Thanks to Shelly Tufts, our Fundraising Chair and Kristin Hanks, our Marketing Chair and the rest of those who donated, participated, and helped with set up, clean up etc. It was truly an example group effort with incredible leadership!

From what I hear…it has been one of the most successful Ridge MOPS fundraisers EVER.

The Silent Auction was INCREDIBLE. I must have scoured the items 10 times! I have listed  below the companies and individuals that supported the event with their donations. THANK YOU!!

I’m already looking forward to Ridge MOPS Bunco 2013!

Check out the flyer! Think of one Mom you know who you have not connected with in a while, and who might really need some connection with other moms …and invite her out for Bunco!

Beach Blanket Bunco Flyer (2)

Fall is back…even though it is a million degrees outside. I’ve lived in Texas most of my life, yet every year I act shocked by the lingering 3 digit temps in September. My summer wardrobe is boring me…and I’m ready for some soup in the crock pot.

Along with the scorching temperatures our Fall activities have heated up. I was missing structure during the summer, but now that I “have” it, I really can’t call it structure…more of a hectic mess! We have had some meltdowns at my house.  I have to admit, my kids are not the only participants.

I am embarassed to say how many nights the past few weeks I have sat at my daughters bedside and said one of the following, “Mommy lost it today, I am sorry”, “Mommy should not have yelled, I am sorry”, “Mommy has been really grumpy today, I am sorry”.

Basically, I feel pretty wiped, overwhelmed and concerned about how this new Fall schedule is going to shake out. Life is crazy with toddlers, and more than likely tomorrow morning won’t be any calmer as I load up my kids and head to the Ridge.  However, I know one thing in the morning WILL happen. I will sit with a group of women who will spend this Fall praying with me, learning with me and laughing with me. I’m ready for the PLUNGE.

Since I have been a mother, I have learned that God has a thing for moms. God works through Moms when we come together to pray for our children, husbands and each other. I can’t wait to experience what God has in store for the Ridge MOPS this year. I’ll see you there!

P.S. Speaking of the PLUNGE…please note  and consider plunging in to the event posted below. It’s a family fun way to make a huge difference. More on it tomorrow!

Can’t wait to meet ya,

Jewels

Please join our family in making a difference for children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses this Saturday, Sept. 8th from 10 AM-1 PM at Austin Music Hall. Tickets for sale at the door! Doors open at 9:45 AM The Biscuit Brothers will be performing (10:15 AM), the miniature horses from Mini’s and Friends will be there, there will be a Huge inflatable obstacle course, Amy’s Ice Cream, Fairy and Super Hero Tent, Silent Auction, special performance by some of the kids from the Children’s Blood and Cancer Center and much more! Fun for all ages!

Peyton asked…”are my friends going?” I said I hope so…but if they can’t remember you are making a difference in the lives of kids with cancer!..he said “how?”..just by going and buying a ticket so Ms. Becky can do all she does for the many courageous children at the Blood and Cancer Center here in Austin.

So bring your kids and please help us make a difference!!

We are all BUSY! Please try to attend. Please spread the word. Email friends…post it on your facebook.  The Loving Libbie Memorial Foundation is an amazing cause and this is there primary fundraiser so your attendance really does make a difference.
What a great opportunity to have some fun with our children, friends and family and get to show our kids how easy it is to make a difference in the lives of others!
Loving Libbie Memorial Foundation: http://lovinglibbie.org/

Event Info: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Libbie-Memorial-Foundation/271865366238127?ref=ts

Ticket Info: http://libbiessecondannualbirthdaybash.eventbrite.com/
(tickets will be for sale at the door)

Fall 2012 Brochure

I am staring at my 3 1/2-year-old who is asleep on the living room carpet next to our family dog. It is nap time at my house and she is just about to give up her nap. You see, if I let her sleep in her bed, she gets too good of a nap. “To good of a nap” results in bed time being an excruciating Olympic event at our house.

But, if she completely skips her nap, then the whole house falls a part around 4:30 p.m. So, she usually plays quietly for an hour and face plants on the carpet for 45 minutes. This strategy was not in any of the parenting books I read regarding this transitional napping stage…but it is working at our house.

The best part of this strategy is that I get to check out at how sweet she looks sleeping every time I step over her. She looks INCREDIBLY sweet from this angle. Thank you God…this moment must be from you.

Where did the summer go? For some of us we are hoping these days stay long, and for others we can’t wait to get the year started. It really depends on which moment you ask me as to my opinion. The good new is, MOPS 2012 at Austin Ridge is right around the corner!  That means reconnecting with old friends, making new friends and learning more strategies on coping, loving and caring for our families that aren’t written in the parenting books….but come straight from women whom we trust and love.

Check out the Fall 2012 Brochure attached…and pass on the Good News. MOPS is back. Boy, have I missed it.

Enjoy these last few school-less days. Now…I think I spot the perfect place to rest…right here next to my little girl and dog. Right here on my carpet…that could actually use a good vacuuming. After my nap.