WFMW: Family Meetings

I am new to this whole WFMW (Works For Me Wednesday) posting. But, I had to share one of our new norms -- Weekly Family Meetings. They are AWESOME!

Each Sunday we sit down, sometimes as a family and other times just Nick and I (if the girls are napping) and we discuss family stuff. We look at our budget and envelopes (if you know Dave Ramsey, you know what I am talking about). We look at our schedules and plan meals for the week. We read over our family vision (which is still a work in progress). It is AWESOME! It really helps us to have a focus for the week and know what is going on and not feel like we are running around like crazy people.

Does your family do any kind of family meeting? I would love to know what works for you! Find other ideas and tips by clicking on the button below. Happy Wednesday!

Answered Prayers

God is so awesome! I stand amazed at all He does!

Mya has been dealing with separation anxiety for about a year now...maybe even longer than a year. She screams hysterically when we drop her off at Sunday School EVERY Sunday. Mind you, we have been going to the same church for all of her life. She is not good with other situations that involve us leaving. It was not until just recently that she stopped crying on Wednesday nights when we drop her off with the babysitters while we go to Bible Study, which again we have done her WHOLE life!

So, this momma was more than apprehensive about the upcoming transition to preschool. It is only 2 days a week for a couple of hours but still it requires me leaving her. I started praying and I asked my friends to start praying for her and LET. ME. TELL. YOU....GOD ANSWERED!

This morning was Mya's first day at preschool and she did great! She got a little sad at first and stood behind me but then her teacher started talking to her and asked her to come in and pick out some play dough. She followed her teacher and her cousin into the classroom and slowly walked to her seat and began to play. All without any meltdowns. what. so. ever! PRAISE THE LORD! She had a good time and is looking forward to going back later this week!

Mya - First Day of Preschool

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

How awesome to serve a God that hears our cries and answers our prayers!

Crazy Summer Update with Pictures

I told you the journey was going to be crazy, great, and wild! So much, in fact, that I haven't had the chance to post. Actually...everyday life kind of took over, as it tends to do, and I have neglected my blog yet again.

A few BIG things have happened since my last post. I turned in my letter of resignation to the school in March and as of May became a SAHWM (stay-at-home-wife-mom for those of you who get lost in this new age of acronyms). I am so very thankful to have the opportunity to stay home with Mya and get extra time with Ally after school!

We started our summer off with the purchase of some rental property and then spent the entire month of June and the first week of July renovating one of the houses that was in total despair. At that point in time Nick and I heavily questioned our decision for me to quit working. I think we heavily questioned many things...such as if we would make it though the month without severely injuring one another! We also coined June as the "month o' weddings"! One of Nick's best friends got married first and he was a groomsman. Then Nick's brother got married the following weekend and we were both in that wedding.
We finished weddings and renovations just in time to pack up, leave the girls to spend some time with their grandparents, and skip the country! Nick and I traveled to Haiti on a work trip with 4 other people from our church. I know everyone says it and it feels so cliche...but it was a very rewarding and life changing trip. Our church partners up with Haitian Christian Ministries and we stayed with Pastor Manno and his wife who are the spearheads of this operation. We had it really good in terms of "roughing" it in a third world country. Actually, I think Haiti has fallen into the category of fourth world country. We stayed in a wonderful complex and a very spacious and comfortable house. The two things that we didn't have were hot water (which who in the world wants a hot shower when it is a million degrees outside and the humidity levels are topping out at 100%?) and air conditioning. We had lots of fans so even the no air conditioning wasn't all that bad. HCM has a complex with a school (currently grades PreK-9th grade), a medical clinic, and a church. Our job was to fix up some school buildings that needed a little TLC. We met some really great kiddos, including our sponsored child, Joralson. He is going into 1st grade this fall. It was a great trip and very bittersweet coming home. I definitely left part of my heart there. I know another cliche thing to say, but it is true!

Our Group with some sweet kiddos from Laurie

Meeting Joralson

After we got home in mid July, I think I blinked 5 times and summer was completely over. Ally is off to first grade and loving it! She has only had one day where she wanted to just stay home with Mya and I. Last night was Preschool open house for Mya. At first she was very excited to be there but it quickly turned into meltdown city when it was time for her to go to her class for a few minutes with her teacher and friends. We are praying that she out grows this separation anxiety quickly. It has plagued her for over a year now and is starting to worry us.

Ally's first day of 1st Grade

Ally and Mya on the first day of school!
Ally - 6
Mya - 3

I cannot believe that summer break went by so quickly and that fall is just around the corner, but we are blessed and we are thankful!

Happy Birthday Dear Friend

Do you have someone in your life that just understands? Someone that loves you on days that are filled with doubt and chaos. Someone that you KNOW God has put in your life and that shows you HIS love. Someone that dares to be different and accepts your quarkiness as well. Someone that you can laugh and cry with all in the same 30 seconds.

I sure do!

Ash at Created for Care Conference 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the best friend a girl could ever ask for! I cherish your friendship, love, and support! I love doing life together! Thank you for being you! You are the best!