"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2

I just hosted Thanksgiving and am hosting a few Christmas parties coming soon (to save on babysitting costs). So, this bible phrase hit home for me, right at the perfect time! Christina Spencer, former MOPS mom and owner and founder of Riverside Redesign gave an awesome talk on interior design. I loved how her first step was to get a journal and sit and think and write about what you'd like for your home. It's all about you and your needs. Pray about it. Christina believes "your home should be a reflection of you and can be both beautiful and comfortable." Maybe it's not your home that's cluttered and disorganized, but your heart. Good stuff. The next step is to make a mood board on Pinterest. Pin what you like. Maybe what you think you like, may not be what you keep pinning. She had lots of tips on making that favorite art piece or passed-down furniture work in your space. Also, about getting creative and finding ways to make your space work for your family. With kids, your stuff is getting destroyed and toys are everywhere. Christina had great ideas for hiding toys and "fixing" that favorite sofa. She closed with this bible verse: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2 Make your home a place where you feel comfortable to entertain. 'Tis the season!

Don't worry guys, Anne took copious notes. Ask her for details!

I had to take a pic of this amazing mom nursing her twins like a champ!

Awesome speaker, Christina! Wyatt was more interested in what I was eating.

And then you've got Super Laurie. This chick shows up right out of the hospital having some intestinal surgery like it was no big deal. But hey, a kid-free morning is no joke!

We had a full week of play dates, too! Monday was Rebounderz. Tuesday was the zoo. Wednesday was turkey painting at Vanessa's! Jessica also hosted an unofficial craft play date then we took the crafts to the residents at an assisted living facility. This group will keep you busy, if you're up for that! Gobble! Gobble!

I have fun at play dates, too. This is a foam pit at Rebounderz

They even set up Thanksgiving crafts and snacks for us at Rebounderz

Sign of a good play date- leaving without pants!

Back yard fun at Vanessa's

So Thankful!

This month seems to have come and gone and now we're already planning for Christmas! Our amazing mentor mom, Jan is so good at making us pause. Take. A. Moment. (goes with this year's theme, too). We are just so thankful for this group of amazing women! Babies in hospitals, loss, post-partum, MIA husbands- we have it all- and we have each other's backs. These are some prayer warriors! And so much to smile about- baby Grace is here! Laughing with mom pals, play dates and worn out kids! Our leadership meeting was first this month. Getting organized for the next month, brain-storming and working together. What a great team!

Brainstorming at the November Leadership Meeting

That night was our girls night out. We went to DESC and bagged rice and sorted bras. Then, we got a tour of their wonderful facility. We brought all the toiletry items we've collected. Theresa is on their board and set this whole thing up. She's offered to take any items to them. Let her know if you're purging your closets. They could always use mens clothes and shoes.

Mae's double-checking bra sizes for sorting

Drinks and dinner at Burrito Gallery afterwards

Our meeting this month was on Education Options. Vanessa set up a great panel of moms. Eleana Simmons is a home school mom of 2. Gina Faramand is a private school mom of 6. Amy Grant has done both private and public school with her 3 children. Caroline Tatum is a public school mom of 3. We also had Kelli Chunn, the Director of Admissions at St. Marks and Kristi Kincaid the Assistant Principal of R.L. Brown Gifted and Talented Academy. This meeting stressed me out- and I already made my school choice, for now. There's just so much information for whichever route you choose to do. They all agreed that you need to stay involved with your children. I also liked hearing that you can always change your mind, it's okay to switch schools if it doesn't work for your child or family. Keep talking to other families and administrators to stay in the loop. Whew! It was a lot! I told you about Jan's mentor moment- prepping for Thanksgiving. It's getting busy, but we need to stop and just say thank-you. 

School Choice Wisdom Panel