11/7/12

November Meeting

Though we should give thanks all year long, and I think the majority of us do for the most part, November is the somewhat "official" month of being thankful.   So I am going to start this post with a status update posted by our our Mentor Mom Jan Holtzen.  It touched my heart and I wanted to share:

"November...our give thanks month (not that we should not give thanks 365 days a year) but, we have set aside the month of November to be especially thankful of our blessings...ladies, I challenge each of you to take time this month to truly ponder our blessings...the freedoms we have as Americans...the blessings of family and friends...the gracious gift of Salvation...a Heavenly Father who loves us...the warmth of sunshine...the air that we breath...crisp, cool Fall mornings...a starry night...sunrise/sunset...the laughter of children...there are SO MANY more...truly this challenge is for myself...life is SO BUSY, I too often take my blessings for granted...Father please forgive me when I'm too busy to notice ALL the blessings You give to me...Jan"

We had a wonderful speaker, Darline Young.  She spoke to us about how to stay focused during this crazy time of year.  With family coming in, and trips to see family, and everything else that is going on between now and the New Year, it's easy to get caught up in it all and get stressed out.  So stressed out that we aren't able to enjoy this magical season.  It's hard to be thankful and appreciate family, friends, and all that we are blessed with when all we can think about is our next grocery store trip, what we are making for dinner, and getting someone that perfect gift.  Some tips Darline gave to help you get through it all a little easier are:
  • First and foremost, pray. Pray for strength, clarity, and peace. 
  • Get organized, make lists
  • Keep it simple
  • Prioritize
  • Don't procrastinate
  • Accept help and don't be afraid to delegate
  • Take care of yourself, eat well balanced meals and stay hydrated
  • And don't forget to breathe! 
And most important of all, don't lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas! 

Thank you ladies SO MUCH for all the things that you brought to help fill the Operation Christmas Child boxes!  What a wonderful way to give this season!  It is amazing how some simple, "everyday" items to us can mean the whole world to a child who has nothing!  I think we filled approx. 30+ boxes! 


Our Thankful Jars were fun to make and mine will definitely be a staple every November to help recall what we were grateful for the year before, and see how God worked in our lives. 

Lunch was sooooo good!  The dish voted #1 this month was the Italian Layer Bake made by Terri Hayter!  Check the recipe tab above for the recipe.  

November Events 

Mom2Mom Movie Night
November 12th 
6pm @ Atlanta Bread Co. 

November Playdate
November 16th
10am @ Jump For Joy 
$5 and remember to bring socks

Our December 4th meeting is going to be a fun and full of activities so be sure to bring:
  • 1 wallet size photo for ornament making.  Also if you have a special theme for your tree bring your own ribbon and beads to be sure it will match 
  • 2 dozen cookies for the cookie exchange with some copies of your recipe to share.  Also a container to bring home the cookies you sample  
  • 1 ornament for the ornament exchange 
  • The steering committee will be bringing the main dishes for our Christmas feast, so everyone else bring a side or dessert.  



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