Pumpkin Play Group

God is amazing! Last winter I was literally begging God for a play group for my girls. We were so lonely. I remember hitting a point where I felt like I had tried everything. I had looked into MOPS but the closest group was 45 minutes away. I even tried starting my own. But, after cleaning, planning, baking, and encouraging I had only one mom show up the first time. I didn't try again...I just didn't feel like I had the energy to start from the ground up. I was convinced there just weren't any play groups in Hannibal...

And then God showed up in an amazing way.

We started attending Calvary Baptist Church in May and we discovered a wonderful play group. Over the summer we went on lots of fun trips! And when we got ready for the fall I was able to help plan this semester's activities. We generally take one trip a month, do one week of "free" play, and the other weeks have planned preschool type activities. This pumpkin themed day was my first week to plan preschool activities. I had SO much fun. (those of you who know me well know that kind of thing is right up my early childhood alley)

But, I think the most amazing thing is how every time I see my girls making new friends, or find myself making new friends, or see the delight of discovery as we go on outings, my heart is overflowing with praise for my God. Who heard my cry of distress and answered in a way I couldn't have imagined. Now this play group existed last winter. And I had asked around....so why didn't I find it sooner? While I'm not sure God "hid" this group from me He did know the perfect time for it to come into my life. Because it has lead me to a place of complete gratitude. To some finding a play group may seem like a small thing, but for me it has been huge.

Here are the pictures from our pumpkin/leaf themed day:

"Painting" pumpkins with washable makers. This was SO easy. Let the kids draw as much as they like then simply wipe off with a damp cloth.
Pumpkin Playdough was by far the biggest hit. You can find the recipe here. It would be a super fun activity for little ones on Thanksgiving day. It smells just like pumpkin pie.
Faith didn't do any of the other activities. She played with the play dough the entire time!
Making leaf artwork. (another mom planned the leaf activities)
Pumpkin matching/memory game. We also had a pumpkin with a velcro face they could change the pieces and a basket of open/close items (purses, boxes, etc.) they had to find the pumpkin in.

So if you live near Hannibal, MO and are looking for a play group come check it out. We meet on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. This play group is open to anyone, all the moms do not attend CBC.

Faith turns 3!

Happy Birthday Faith!

I can't believe my little girl is three. We have a game we like to play. I will say, "Who is my favorite __(age) old?" And the kids have fun raising their hand and saying, "Me!" On Faith's birthday we were driving to the library and Grace said, "Who is Mama's favorite 2 year old?" And I corrected her that today Faith is three. Grace replied, "Faith, you are Mama's favorite two year and her favorite three year old. That is a big job." And I realized that I had said, "Who is Mama's favorite two year old?" for the last time... (At least until Titus turns 2)

For Faith's birthday we had a family picnic down by the river. It was a bit chillier than we expected, but it was fun anyway. Although, getting her candle to light in the wind was a bit tricky!!

Grace got to go shop with Daddy and pick out her very own gift for Faith. A Tinker Belle baton with a ribbon for twirling. Faith loved it.

From us Faith got a photo book of her 2 year old year and Beauty & The Beast. The girls and I had fun skipping rest time one afternoon to snuggle and watch it together.

We also installed her big girl car seat, another birthday gift. Pink of course!

This is the girls in their coordinating outfits. Faith got the entire outfit for her birthday. The hat from Gramy/Papa and outfit from Aunt Erin/Uncle Cody. Grace just inherited this outfit. Don't they look adorable?
Pictures from her Cowgirl birthday party coming soon...

Faith,

Mama loves you so much. You are such a joy. Even though people call it the terrible two's I have loved this past year. I love when you snuggle your head up to mine when I pray for you at night. I love how you kiss pink (your blanket) before you leave her in the van (since she can't always come with you). I love when you say "Danks" (thanks). I love when you do a little naked dance every morning before you will let me help you get dressed. I love how you always whisper when you pray. I love you, my favorite 3 year old!

Mama

Faith's 3 Year Old Interview:

1. Name? Faith

2. How old are you? 3

3. Favorite Color? Pink

4. Favorite Food? Grapes, Applesauce, and I think yogurt

5. What do you love to do? Play with play dough & sleep

6. What is your favorite place to visit? Nana's

7. Who are your friends? Gracie....not sure after that

8. Where do you live? You (mommy's) House then Hannibal

9. What do you want to be when you grow up? teacher

10. Do you love God? Yes! Why? He isn't the baddest, and he gives us princess food to eat.

Mama's "Doughnuts"

We had some leftover hot dog buns from Faith's party. So, one morning for breakfast I toasted them and then put peanut butter on them. For extra fun I added sprinkles. The girls loved it and called them doughnuts (they are similar shaped). I think I might buy a package of whole wheat buns to keep in the freezer and pull one out every once in awhile for a breakfast treat. Definitely healthier than real doughnuts!