Blog Repost: Running a Home While Running On Empty

The Blog, Loving My Lot, writes about embracing Jesus, His Church and Biblical womanhood. Her post, Running a Home While Running on Empty, is a great read especially as we wind down from the busy Christmas season.

What did you take away or relate to with this post?

Blog Repost: Behold, The Handmaid of the Lord

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, let's pause. Just a moment. One moment in between cookie decorating, present shopping, Christmas parties, and all the "normal" day to day activities us mom's navigate all year round. I came across this blog post, titled "Behold, The Handmaid of the Lord" from the blog Mentoring Moments, earlier this year. The content fitting for any season, yet especially good to read as we remember and celebrate Christ's birth. 

Click here to read the post. 

One sentiment that really hit home: "I am humbled by Mary’s words.  So often my prayer is that God will give me the life I want, instead of asking Him to enable me to want the life He gives, even with its dark clouds." 

What resonates with you? 

December 2013 Meeting Recap

You could feel the Christmas cheer all around! So glad to see so many of you at our meeting this past Thursday. Thank you for those who shared their crafting/gifting ideas. There were new faces too... that always makes us happy to bring new mom's into the fold of mom2mom. Welcome!

For those that missed, YOU were missed. We hope to see you back in the new year. Below you will find the recipe for Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments--the craft we made at our meeting--the perfect activity for you and your little ones.

Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
2 cups applesauce
2 cups ground cinnamon

Mix together until well combined, and dough is formed. Add more cinnamon if dough is too sticky to handle.

Roll out dough to 1/4 inches thickness and cut out shapes.

Make a hole at the top of the ornament with a straw.

Bake at 250 degrees for 2 hours. Allow the ornament to continue to dry out on a cooking rack for an additional 24 hours before hanging.

 - - - -
Announcements:
Parent's Night Out
This is a free event for kids ages birth - 4th grade. Parents - this night is for you! Spend an evening together while we hang out with your kids. All children who are registered for Parents' Night Out will need to have an RMCC Medical Release Form printed and filled out.
Click here to register

Spring Bible Study Registration
Registration for Monday evening and Tuesday morning classes are now online for Women's Ministries Bible Studies. Click here to view classes offered and to register

Toilet Paper Drive
While you are stocking up on TP, grab an extra package and bring it to our next meeting--on January 16th! mom2mom is collecting TP for Hope Ministries.
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A few shots from our meeting. Love this first picture of some of our mom2mom Table Moms and leaders cuddling little wee ones so their mamas could craft :-)

Merry Christmas to all! We will see you at our next meeting on Thursday, January 16th!

Quick Tip & Meeting Reminder

It's officially Christmas season! That means our mom2mom meeting comes a week early and we are meeting THIS Thursday, December 12th. Same time, same place! Meeting starts at 9:30 am, so be sure to check in the littles around 9:15 am. If there are any changes in childcare needs, please let us know.

As we shop and gather presents for family, this mom2mom Quick Tip could not come at a better time.

Organizing Quick Tip by Julie Barrett: I like to keep a log of gifts given to family and friends.  I put it into an Excel spreadsheet and it helps me with planning for future gifts as well as budgeting.

Christmas Gift Ideas...Outside the Box

Give a gift that goes beyond just a shiny trinket. We've complied a short list of organizations that help others and offer unique Christmas gift for those on your list.

1. Food for the Hungry - From child sponsorships to providing water purification packets and more to villages in need, you can pick monthly sponsorships as well as one time gifts. What if you gave the gift of a donation in someone's name?

2. World Vision - Similar to Food for the Hungry, you can donate in someone else's name, Word Vision even offers a free personalized card when doing so to let people know you have donated in their name.

3. Sevenly - Every week Sevenly teams up with a charity and helps raise funds and awareness for 7 full days. Each purchase made gives $7 to the charity partner of the week.  From t-shirts to jewelry, this site is constantly full of unique and artistic finds.

4. Love-Water - Is a non-profit group, using proceeds from t-shirt and accessory sales to provide families in need with clean water and also to equip families with tools to succeed in life.

What organizations do you like to support during the Holidays, and year round, were a donation in another's name would make the perfect Christmas gift? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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November 2013 Meeting Recap

Meeting Announcements:

- Next meeting comes early! That's right our December mom2mom meeting is Thursday, December 12th.   Same time, same place, just a week earlier than normal.

- Follow us on Instagram: @mom2momrmcc

- Flip the Switch: 11/29 from 6:00 - 8:30 pm


Speaker Recap:
Thursday's meeting was one of those meetings were you wish everyone could be there to hear the speaker! We were blessed with having Sarah Fox speak on her life in Uganda as a new mom. Her humor and willingness to share transparently was awesome. Thank you Sarah! A few nuggets of wisdom from her talk:

- It's not about what we do, it's about who we pursue in our lives. It's about knowing Christ and seeing Him glorified. (Phil 3:3 -12)

- Our accomplishments, compared to knowing Christ, are nothing. Know that He IS enough.

- Christ is most glorified when we are satisfied with Him.

- Change our perspective... not seek out "good days with kids" but rather seek for days Christ is most glorified.

Thanksgiving Day Appetizers

Turkey is not quite ready, but you have a household of guests wanting something to nibble on... Here are five different appetizers ranging from kid-friendly to gourmet to hold off the grumbling tummies until the big feast! Which will you make?

Apples & Carmel Dip

Curry Pumpkin Hummus

Fig & Walnut Cheese Ball

Gobbling Turkey Apples

Loaded Sweet Potato Skins

 

Thanksgiving Day Crafts

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving day dinner for your family or helping with the cooking, we know it is a busy day--especially with little ones afoot! Here are a few crafts to keep your kiddies busy while you are cooking in the kitchen.... some they can do on their own, some may need dad to help out.  Gather the supplies now, and have them ready to go for your littles to dive into! Click on the images below for full instructions.

1. Thanksgiving Coloring Sheet

For the wee littles to your experienced artist, gather up your markers and crayons and set up a little art spot for your kids. 

2. Tortilla TeePees

3. Thankful Turkey

4. M & M Turkey Handprint

mom2mom Mom's Night Out

Reminder... we've got our Mom's Night Out this Sunday, November 10th at 4:30 pm. Meet up at The Cheesecake Factory at Superstition Springs Mall. We are planning to reserve a table, when arriving just ask for the 'mom2mom' group :-) See you then! Leave us a comment if you plan to attend!

Make-Ahead Christmas Gifts

Once Halloween hits, it seems like the stores are already pushing Christmas decorations! If you are feeling the itch to plan ahead for DIY Christmas gifts to give, we've compiled a short list of items you can make now or save the ideas for a little closer to the Holiday. Let us know what you make!

Frozen Cookie Dough

www.thekitchn.com

Give your friends and family the gift of homemade frozen cookie dough that they can make on their own schedule. Perfection! Think about it, we get overloaded with sweets during the Holidays... why not save some for later? 

Make Your Own Vanilla

http://twelvecraftstillchristmas.blogspot.com

Perfect for your friends that enjoy baking with vanilla extract. 

Chalkboard Coaster Set

Homemade Crayons

Meet the Committee & Table Moms

mom2mom Leaders
Cheryl Washburn

Family 411 (how long married, name of spouse, name and ages of kids): Married 31 years to Jeff and we have 2 kids: Stefani 28 and Devin 24

Favorite treat to make/eat with kids: Chips and Salsa

Favorite date night spot: Seasons 52

Newest item (song, book, app, etc) downloaded to Ipod/Tablet/Smartphone: Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

Best advice anyone ever gave me as a mom: Get to know your own child- Know what THEY like, not what YOU want them to like. 

The event/accomplishment/hurdle/task/challange I am most looking forward to conquering/facing this year is: Reading the Bible in a year 

Julie Barrett

Family 411 (how long married, name of spouse, name and ages of kids):

Married 10 years to Brandon

Beau- 4 yrs old

Luke- 17 months old

Favorite treat to make/eat with kids:

Monkey bread 

Favorite date night spot: 

Chelsea’s Kitchen

Newest item (song, book, app, etc) downloaded to Ipod/Tablet/Smartphone:

Letter Quiz app for my 4 yr old son

Best advice anyone ever gave me as a mom:

As challenging as stages can be with your young children, try to find the joy in each one and not wish it away.  Remember it is only a stage and things often change quickly.  Your 14 month old won’t pull all the books off the bookshelf forever! 

The event/accomplishment/hurdle/task/challange I am most looking forward to conquering/facing this year is:

Supporting my husband as he expands his business and pursues his MBA. 

Committee Members:
Eve Auksel 

Family 411 (how long married, name of spouse, name and ages of kids):

Eve and Joe married 12/31/2007

Ada Michaela-4

Ivy Rose-3

Eli-1

and expecting Auksel baby #4 in April 2014

Favorite treat to make/eat with kids:

Popcorn popped with coconut oil, slathered in real butter and nutritional yeast (yes, I am THAT mom!)

Favorite date night spot: 

Any flea market, thrift or junk shop

Newest item (song, book, app, etc) downloaded to Ipod/Tablet/Smartphone:

eh

Best advice anyone ever gave me as a mom:

(Insert behavior that I am struggling with) is age appropriate. 

The event/accomplishment/hurdle/task/challange I am most looking forward to conquering/facing this year is:

Getting to know God in a more intimate way.

Jennifer Argabright 

Family 411 (how long married, name of spouse, name and ages of kids):

Married 14 years to Ryan.  Children--Elena, 8 years old; Stephen, 6 years old.

Favorite treat to make/eat with kids:

We love to eat ice cream together--lots of chocolate involved!

Favorite date night spot: 

Favorite date night--Grimaldi's pizza and a movie

Newest item (song, book, app, etc) downloaded to Ipod/Tablet/Smartphone:

lia sophia song/catalog added to phone

Best advice anyone ever gave me as a mom:

Cheryl Washburn's talk about the book "Loving and Letting Go" of our children--we have to let them go a little bit each day of their lives.

Biggest new challenge this year:

Watching both children go off to school this year--3rd grade and Kindergarten--a new chapter in my life

Julie Gransee

Family 411 (how long married, name of spouse, name and ages of kids): 

I have been married to Cory for 12 years, and we have three boys who are 7, 5, and 2.  

Favorite treat to make/eat with kids:  

Every once in a while, we love to break out the hot air popcorn popper and share a big bowl of salty, buttered popcorn!

Favorite date night spot: 

My husband and I love Bandera in old town Scottsdale... try the dip duo!

Newest item (song, book, app, etc) downloaded to Ipod/Tablet/Smartphone: 

A beautiful mess!  Fun filters, doodles, borders, and text you can add to any picture and share.  

Best advice anyone ever gave me as a mom:  

Invest in a really good dustbuster.  Kids are not "crumb-snatchers", they are "crumb-makers"!  

The event/accomplishment/hurdle/task/challange I am most looking forward to conquering/facing this year is:  Just launched a blog to share my love of food.  Hoping to become better at writing recipes, styling food, and photography.  Also, finding the balance between this new passion and actually taking care of my family.  

Kristin Self  -- Bio COMING SOON!!


Jessica Stillwell 
Family 411 (how long married, name of spouse, name and ages of kids):  

12 years, Jason, Nathan almost 8 and Susan almost 5

Favorite treat to make/eat with kids: 

Cake pops, ice cream cake, flat bread pizzas

Favorite date night spot: 

Not one spot...we like to try new places, usually dinner out somewhere :)

Newest item (song, book, app, etc) downloaded to Ipod/Tablet/Smartphone: 

Safeway App

Best advice anyone ever gave me as a mom: 

Let your kids be little, let them be who they are, they are not little adults.

The event/accomplishment/hurdle/task/challange I am most looking forward to conquering/facing this year is:  Getting Susan ready for Kindergarten,  Helping my dad through a year of surgery and cancer treatments and into remission (Lord willing).

Allison Stewart -- Bio COMING SOON!

Jaime Tischler

Family 411 (how long married, name of spouse, name and ages of kids):

Been married to my college bff, Bobby, for a decade now! We have two littles--our daughter, Blake Emery, turned four years old in June. Our son, Ryker Paisan, will be two years old in December. 

Favorite treat to make/eat with kids:

Blake is my little baker. Her favorite items to make are rice crispy treats (total fan of eating these with her and Ry) and full-on decorated Barbie cakes (not so  much of a fan of eating her very *ahem* colorful, icing, packed creations) but so fun to hear her talk through each step of icing a cake (she watches a lot of YouTube cake decorating videos ;).

Newest item (song, book, app, etc) downloaded to Ipod/Tablet/Smartphone: 
Lego games on iPad 

Best advice anyone ever gave me as a mom:

The days are long, yet the years are short! And that all the phases, good and bad, will pass all too quickly... cherish them!

The event/accomplishment/hurdle/task/challange I am most looking forward to conquering/facing this year is: In the process of 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training... learning to balance school, weekly yoga classes, housework-momwork, and supporting Bobby as he earns his MBA.

Table Moms

Kelly Crimmins

Family 411 (how long married, name of spouse, name and ages of kids):

married 33 years in November

husband Todd

daughter Stephanie married to Ryan, Grace 7, Natalie 5, Logan 20 months

son TJ married to Emilee, Jack 8, Layla 7, Wesley & Everett 4, Abbie 10 months

son Will 

son Jake

Jason (adopted with special needs, age 9)

currently 2 foster babies, Tyler 8 months, Freddie 2 months

Favorite treat to make/eat with kids:

chocolate chips cookies

Favorite date night spot: 

The Keg

Newest item (song, book, app, etc) downloaded to Ipod/Tablet/Smartphone:

Voxer

Best advice anyone ever gave me as a mom:

I will seldom be the perfect mom, but I can try/do the best I can

The event/accomplishment/hurdle/task/challange I am most looking forward to conquering/facing this year is:

Preparing for our son TJ and family to move in with us next summer.

Aurora Ballard 

Family 411: How long Married: 21 yrs to Eric. Children: Sara 19, Kayla 16

Favorite to make with kids: Chocolate covered pretzels 10min to make. Use large 6" pretzels, some dipped in milk-chocolate others white chocolate. Also cover with Christmas sprinkles as gifts for for the neighbors. Our girls always loved walking & delivering to the neighbors.

Favorite date night spot: Nandoes  restaurant for dinner with another couple, then a movie with a bottle of wine at home. I'm very social so the 1st part is for me & the second part is for Eric.

Newest item downloaded: Apple calendar, when anyone enters their activities we all receive each there's on our own calendars.

Best advice given to me as a Mom: Given to me from the Holy Spirit, Parenting children comes in temporary stages. As hard as it seems at times, try to embrace each moment or event (good or bad). Even stop & stare at your child or situation & soak it up with laughter if needed. A year from now you probably will never get that moment again. Ex... Them pouring spaghetti in their hair at 1-2 years old just before your going out and your already late :)

Event/Challenge most looking forward to: Both girls graduating this year... one from Collage & the other from High School. My challenge is to glide gracefully (basically hide my tears) as I enter my empty nesting faze.

Julie Hyzdu 

Family 411 (how long married, name of spouse, name and ages of kids):

Married to Adam 21 years, Zac-19, Alexa-16, Luke-12

Favorite treat to make/eat with kids: 

Friday night pizza night and usually make whole wheat pesto with chicken.

Favorite date night spot: 

Olive Mill

Newest item (song, book, app, etc) downloaded to Ipod/Tablet/Smartphone:

Harkins App

Best advice anyone ever gave me as a mom:

"Just ride the waves" ...  Also, "make your kid's beds the most comfortable ever, so they always want to come home to their bed."

The event/accomplishment/hurdle/task/challenge I am most looking forward to conquering/facing this year is:

I am most looking forward to the challenge of being a proverbs 31 woman, wife, mom to 3 teenagers (JR HS, HS & college age) and daughter to my live-in mom. In business, I am looking forward to the task of growing my market verticals and Reaching as many patients as possible!

Yvonne Vail

Family 411 (how long married, name of spouse, name and ages of kids):
14 years married to Scott Vail
Nolan-22
Cassidy-21
Milan-18
Levi-12

Favorite treat to make/eat with kids:
Choc Chip Cookies

Favorite date night spot:
Red, White, and Brew or
racquetball together  

Newest item (song, book, app, etc) downloaded to Ipod/Tablet/Smartphone:
Fooducate!

Best advice anyone ever gave me as a mom:
"Think about when your children are walking down the aisle. Will they still be biting, wetting the bed, throwing temper tantrums in the store, etc"... It gave great perspective to what seemed so overwhelming to me at the time, and it has proved to be great advice. 

October 2013 Meeting Recap

Announcements:

mom2mom Park Playdate @ Falcon Field: THIS THURSDAY, October 24th 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Bring lunch and sand toys. Falcon Field Park is located at 4800 E Falcon Drive, Mesa AZ 85215

RMCC Children's Ministry: Dinner & A Movie on October 25th at 6pm more info here

RMCC Community BBQ: October 27th at 5pm more info here 

mom2mom Mom's Night Out @ Cheesecake Factory: November 10th at 4:30. 

A time to relax, grab dinner or just dessert ;-) at the Cheesecake Factory located at Superstition Mall. 

mom2mom November meeting: November 21st. We encourage you to arrive between 9:15-9:30am as we will begin our program at 9:30 am.

RMCC Women's Christmas Dinner on December 6th and December 7th more info here

RMCC Parent's Night out: December 20th more info here

Speaker Recap:

We were blessed to have Debbe Fox come speak on Trans-parent Parenting: Imperfect Parents Pointing Toward God. She spoke on living our Christianity out in front of our kids. She reminded us to use situations as opportunities to teach them and to be ready--we can only impart what we know ourselves. She also recommended the book Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas that speaks on how parenting changes our relationship with the Lord.

She asked us, what are some ways to help point our children to God?

10/14 DIY Family Halloween Costumes

With Halloween just around the corner, you may or may not have your kids' costumes planned out... why not make it a family affair this year when it comes to dressing up? Here are a few fun, DIY ideas to make for your entire clan to go as a theme.

Click here for instructions

Click here for instructions

Click here for instructions

Click here for instructions

The Tired Mother's Creed

Another mama posted this link on her Facebook page awhile back... it is filled with great reminders!!! When we are weary, our minds wander. Our hearts can grow heavy. This 20 point creed is a quick read. Yet, take some time today to ponder some of these sentiments. They are great reminders.

The Tired Mother's Creed: For the days you are running on empty

By Lisa-Jo Baker

A Perfect Parenting Formula?!

We loved the following quote that was recently posted on Lysa TerKeurst Facebook page. Thank you Jessica for passing it along!

"There is no perfect parenting formula. What works for one child may not work for another. The seemingly perfect algorithm one family follows could be disastrous for another.

We weren’t made to follow formulas. We were made to follow Jesus. Period.

This is true with parenting but it’s also true with every other aspect of our lives. We were made to follow Jesus’ lead in our marriages, our jobs, our ministries, our churches, our friendships, our everything!" --  Lysa TerKeurst

Lysa TerKeurst is a NY Times Bestselling author, a national speaker, and the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. www.lysaterkeurst.com

Welcome & First Fall 2013 Meeting Recap

"Wait how are you getting home? Do you have someone picking you up?"

"No mom, We left our cars across from the airport."

"OK then text when you land, when you're to your car and when you get home... And don't roll your eyes," I said as they started walking up to the security line at the airport. 

"I'm not rolling my eyes." she shouted as she turned around and shot back a smile.

The mom to the left of me (approximately my age) chuckled.  "I have the same conversation." A more senior woman a few feet to the right, smiled, nodded and said, "Just so you know...It doesn't ever stop and it doesn't get any easier." 

For a split second, I realize that, although we know nothing else about each other, we are connected by a single three-letter word.  MOM.

Our daughter Stefani had come in a few week-ends ago for her 28th birthday. WOW.  28 years ago God blessed us, and our lives were forever changed... for the better.  At 18 she went to California for college, and well... never came home. She has been living and working in Orange County since graduation. She obviously gets up for work better than she used to get up for school. She is a Vice-President now. She must do laundry because I see her in clean clothes.  

She hasn't run out of gas (that I know of) so she must be putting gas in her car. When she is in California she comes and goes as she pleases. 

But somehow... Something changes when she crosses over the Arizona state line.  She's my little girl again.  It must not only happen to me, as both moms at the airport knew exactly how I felt. 

Jeff and I watched her get through security and then we headed to the elevators. When we pushed the button a little girl ran up.   Her mom shouted, "Wait ...Hold my hand...wait for me.” The little girl smiled and said, "No... I want to do it myself."

Now...for a split second I see Stefani at 5 years old.  The mom smiles.  "I'm so sorry" she says, as if she thinks we are upset.  Jeff and I just smile.  I know we are thinking the same thing.  I think to myself, I should tell her... like the mom said to me, "It doesn't ever stop...doesn't get any easier.” But what I really want to say to her is, "It goes by so fast." 

Because as I sit here typing out this story tears are streaming down my cheeks.  It does go by sooooooo fast. You may hear that 1,000 times when you're a young mom, but it is so true.

I do get a text when she takes off.  I do get a text when she lands.  An hour goes by (she lives 10 min from the airport) and I text "home?"   She say's "oh...ya ...sorry ..." I hopped in the shower and forgot to text."  I text back, "No Worries," I mean she did text two out of the three times...and she is 28...but...still...it doesn't get any easier.

Welcome to mom2mom.  A place we are all connected...by one little 3-letter word.  MOM.

We Are Here For You,

Cheryl 

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September 2013 Meeting Recap 

Next meeting: October 17th

Build Relationship with Your Child - Link from Focus on the Family 

Parenting is Heart Work classes click here for more info. 

Stay tuned for upcoming info on mom2mom book club!

Quick Tip: Plastic Makes Perfect

Cooking Quick Tip by Julie Gransee
   
Always use a plastic knife to cut brownies and lemon bars.  It will slice nice clean lines without any sticking!

Quick Tip: Devotion App

mom2mom Quick Tip from Jaime Tischler

Finding quiet time each day with littles in tow can be quite the difficult challenge. Quiet? Hmm... that happens in the wee hours of the morning, and after bedtime, right?! However, finding time to center my thoughts around more than just the laundry list and align my heart is important. Does it happen every morning and evening? No. Does it happen more with a concerted effort? Yes, indeed.

So, I recently downloaded a free devotional app, called 'Daily Bible Devotion,' on my iPhone. Search "Devotions" in your App store and many apps pop up. This app works well for me, offering both a short 'AM' and 'PM' verse and devotional based on that verse. They state that the app was created "to be short, simple, and yet very applicable'--I have found all three sentiments to be true.


Do you have a Quick Tip that you can share? We would love to post our fellow mom2mom's pearls of wisdom! From the extraordinary words of encouragement to the every day go-to tips,  we'd love to hear what helps you manage your heart and home. Please email us at: mom2mom.rmcc@gmail.com

Welcome Back: Fall 2013 Registration

We are so excited to kick off this fall with more mom2mom!

Registration for mom2mom 2013-14 is now online at rmcchurch.org.   Click on Calendar, Click on September, and then Click on mom2mom (Sept 19th) or simply click here.  Sign up and then pass the information along to another mom who needs a little mom2mom bonding time.  

Our first meeting is Thursday, September 19th, but a few things are happening before then that we wanted to make you aware of:

Women's Bible Studies Tuesdays starting September 3rd 9:00 am and Mondays starting September 9th 7:00 pm

Parenting Is Heartwork September 18-November 13  7-8:30 pm(registration also is available online)

10 Things to Do When You're Stuck Inside

The following activities were gathered up by a mom looking for ideas to entertain her kiddos while they were stuck at home during cold Winter months... we can only dream of snow and ice right now! ;-) However, her list of activities are easy to pull together and perfect for days we do not want to leave our cool air-conditioned homes during this hot summer!

Click here to be redirected to the list

Beth Moore: Escaping the Slinky

Came across this short video from Beth Moore on her Living Proof blog. It will only take about 14 mins to watch and speaks on how we often live in a repetitive cycle, and time wasted on doing the same thing over and over. A great devotion on linear living!

Click here to watch and to be directed to Beth Moore's blog.

Mom Tip: Artkive App

Looking to organize--and cherish--all those fun art projects your kiddos brought home from school this past year? If you are like me, I want to keep all the cuteness, but also do not want binders and binders full of papers for years to come... I came across a free app called Artkive that helps! Right now it is just available for iPhones, but in the works for Android as well.

Basically, you create folders with your individual kid's names on them, snap pictures and then have the option to print out photo books. Even if you choose not to order the books, it is a nice tool to browse through all the fun finger painting and craft projects.

Search in your iphone store or click here for Artkive's website.

Memorial Day: Commentary from Focus on the Family

A short, yet important reminder of Memorial Day.

Click here to listen. It takes less than two minuets!

Be The Mom

"Being a mom is one of the most important, rewarding jobs, but it can also be tiring and emotionally draining. We want you to be encouraged with Be the Mom from beloved author and mom, Tracey Eyster!" This offer comes from Focus on the Family. An ebook copy of Eyster's book, Be the Mom, is available to download and is only $1.99. The discussion guide is also available to download--free of charge. 

Click here for more info and to be directed to Focus on the Family's site. 

Enter promo code 406925 at checkout and your ebook will automatically be discounted.  Offer expires May 22, 2013 at 11:00 p.m. EST

Playdate Reminder... & A Little Something to Ponder

Playdate Reminder! THIS Thursday, May 16th at 10:30 am. Join up for some play and lunch at Chick-fil-A at Mesa Riverview, 905 N. Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85201 (just off Dobson & the 202). Leave us a comment if you are planning to attend. Hope to reconnect with everyone!

Just loved the below quote! A great reminder as we head into another week and are wrapping up the school year.

Mother's Day Card Printables

Don't forget mom & mom-in-law this coming Sunday! Here are some really cute cards for them that you can print out at home. Simply click on the images below to be directed to each card.

image: howaboutorange.blogspot.com

image: tipjunkie.com

image: culdesaccool.com

10 New Habits to Implement Post-Spring Cleaning

"Once you’ve gone through all the effort to spring clean it is important to implement new habits so that your home will remain sparkly and nice! You certainly do not want all your effort and hard work wasted! With a few new habits you really can keep your home company ready and clean." --www.momsoffaith.com

Click here to read the quick, and easy to implement, habits!

Junk Closet Heart

Many of us may have tackled some Spring Cleaning projects the past month or two, and as I was compiling my own list of household chores, my mind wandered to thinking about Spring Cleaning for my heart... what was cluttering up my mind? And lo and behold, came across this great blog post from Proverbs 31 Ministries titled Junk Closet Heart by Karen Ehman. Hope you enjoy and it gets you thinking as it did for me! :-)

http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/junk-closet-heart-2013-04/ 

April Meeting Recap

What a true joy it was to hear Barb speak this past Thursday! Her humor, wisdom, and grace are all so compelling. She spoke on Sanity In The Summertime and focused on a mother's heart. Providing us with the acronym of P.E.A.C.E.

P: Pray, Purpose, Power and Presence of the Lord Jesus. Barb shared a quote from Ruth Graham on how a good mother makes it easy for her child to be good.

E: Energy and Encouragement. Luke 2:52.

A: Available. Make sure that people come before projects!

C: Communication.

E: Eternity.

Barb also recommended the book Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson. I (Jaime) just downloaded this book! Let's just say I wish I ordered the hard copy as there are so many great passages to highlight--and I am just in the first few pages!

Shelley also compiled a great list for all us for summer time activities around town. Click here to be redirect to the list here on the blog.

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General mom2mom announcements:

PLAYDATE: There is no May meeting, however we would love to stay connected over the Summer! Meet us at Chik-fil-A Riverview Location at Dobson & the 202 on Thursday, May 16th at 10:30 am.