mom2mom Update

Hi friends and mighty moms, I just wanted to let you all know that as of today (11/3/08) mom2mom will no longer be hosting monthly meetings. Due to the lack of sustained demand for monthly mom2mom meetings, I will be focusing my efforts on encouraging and equipping moms on a one on one basis. Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts as I made this difficult decision. I pray that you would each continue to be an encouragement to the moms you interact with on a daily basis, but most importantly, I pray that you would endeavor to become the best mom you can be for your own family. May the God of all grace bless you abundantly on your mission of motherhood.

Blessings
Julie

Gracing Each Other Out

Just yesterday I had a chance to grace out a mom and it reminded me of how many times I have been the recipient of someone else's graciousness. I define grace as unmerited favor, in essence, being blessed when I don't deserve it. Yesterday, as I was traveling home from a mommy getaway, I was delayed for well over an hour. As I sat in the airport, I watched the mom of a rambunctious toddler chase her child. Round and round and round the waiting area she went following her little guy. Each time she "caught up" he would scream his dismay at being redirected. As I watched, I remembered how often I chase my own little ones as we travel just hoping to appease them and avert tantrums. As she boarded the plane this mom was exhausted, tired, and was probably not looking forward to entertaining a toddler on a 2 hour flight in a cramped airplane seat. As I boarded the plane, I was beginning to grumble to myself about my seat assignment and how I really should have paid more attention so I would not have been stuck with the middle seat. Well guess whose row I was in? Guess who I was sitting next to? I guess my mommy getaway had worked. I was relaxed, poised, and full of grace. As I sat down the mom said, "I am so sorry you have to next to us." I replied, "No worries, I have two little boys of my own." The flight was full and there were no empty seats and I was truly happy with my seat. I missed my kids and the little boy was just as busy and loud as my own little guys. He wiggled, giggled, and played until he fell in to a gentle slumber. As we deplaned the mom said, "Thanks so much." My response was, " No problem, I was glad to help."

Hopefully I will have a chance to grace someone else out very soon. So take a moment and look for ways to provide grace to a mom you know, or better yet to a complete stranger.

Quote of the Week

Cherish the season of motherhood you're in...whether babies, preschoolers, school age, or teens. Unlike the seasons outside your window, the seasons of motherhood never return-except in our memories. -Mary Steinke

A dose of encouragement...

Keep Going!
You are doing a great job!
Awesome!
Way to go!

"Woohoo- your kids think you are great"
"Yeah"
"Fantastic"

Just some friendly encouragement to keep going, keep striving. Enjoy the time you have with your kids. Look for opporutnities to mother. Mothering matters, you matter, your kids matter and even though they do not always show it...they are proud to have you as their mom.

Keep in mind "mothering" is a VERB! Be blessed with the mess;)

Quote of the Week

"A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary."
Dorothy Canfield Fisher

mom2mom tomorrow night

Hey don't miss the chance to get some encouragement and fellowship with other moms. mom2mom's first meeting of the fall is tomorrow night 7PM at Christ Episcopal Church (382 Boblett) in Blaine. If you have questions or need directions call 366-3435 or e-mail Julie at falconemomma@hughes.net Hope to see you there!

Quote of the Week

"There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one." Jill Churchill