MOPS...

Today began a new year of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). For those who don't know it is a program designed for women who are moms to preschool age children. There is also a program for the kids going on at the same time. It is such a wonderful outlet for mothers, especially at the beginning of motherhood when your life gets turned upside down. :-)

I have to confess that last year I was not going to join in the group because I felt a bit of pressure coming from many sides. Being the wife of a youth pastor you have eyes on you at all times, so I really wanted to be defiant and not join a ministry that I was "expected" to join. I'm so glad I didn't listen to myself and that I listened to God! MOPS has been such a blessing for me. It has helped me to forge new friendships to learn that it's okay to have mommy guilt sometimes. I've learned to be a little more laid back in the things I do. To not sweat the small stuff!! I've learned that I'm not the only mom who has days she just wishes she could have five minutes to myself. I've learned that God is in control of my life and that I can't do this "mom thing" without His help or the help of others.

All this said, I'm really excited this for this year and all the new friendships that will be formed and all the new things we will learn! It's going to be a great year "Together on Planet Mom!"

I have a deep dark secret...

Okay, maybe it's not a deep dark secret, but it is something that not many people know about me.

Okay, so here is the big reveal:

I secretly wish I was British.

I wish I lived in England and had a British accent and that Addie had a little British accent too. I LOVE London and I have been thinking more about it lately. It's been two years since I've been there and I think I left a little piece of my heart there. I just love the people, the atmosphere, the public transportation, and the parks that are everywhere (and people use them). I know that I eventually will go back there, but until then I will just keep "secretly" wishing I was British. Cheerio!!

Amazing Website...

This is such a great website out there for all you moms. I love it and they have really great deals!!

Not so good at this whole blog thing anymore...

It seems like I go a really long time between each blog and I shouldn't because I always have a lot to say. :-) It has been an extremely busy summer! Every other week had something going on. The fall slows down a little, but the first part still looks to be fairly busy. We were lucky enough to have two "vacations" this summer. The first you saw was in Glorietta, New Mexico. It was sort of work for Mike, but still a good time of getting away. A week ago we were able to take a nice week long vacation. We started it out in Fresno visiting Mike's family. It was super nice to get away and not have to worry about our routine or anything with church. We came back on Wednesday and we hung out at home on Thursday and went to a Luau at Mike's grandma's senior living facility. It was very nice and the food was pretty good. Addie loved the rice!! On Friday we drove to Redondo Beach and went to a place called Seaside Lagoon. It was a place I used to go to when I was younger and it was fun to take Addie. We also drove around where I used to live and saw my old house I grew up in and my church I grew up at. Both have changed a whole lot! On Saturday we hung out at home and went to the Farmer's Market and Trader Joe's. All in all vacation was pretty relaxing and I wish we could have it everyday. I guess then it wouldn't be vacation! In a few weeks we will go on our final vacation of this year. (I promise we don't usually travel this much.) We will be traveling to Nashville, TN (my first time) where Mike will be teaching at a confernce or youth workers at Lifeway. After this we will then head out to Denver, CO to visit Mike's family and one of my roommates from college and her family. It should be a lot of fun and I will try to post pictures from that trip.

I'm praying that this fall will be a wonderful time of connecting with old friends, making new ones, strengthing current friendships and for Mike and I to take time to grow our marriage. I know that God can do amazing things and He has already shown me how powerful He is. I pray that I can learn to rely on God more and trust in His plan for my life. We can't do it on our own and I am learning that more and more each day!