Monday, June 20, 2011

Our Newest Moppet: Layla Lou Calhoun

Layla Lou Calhoun was born May 10, 2011! She weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce and was 19-3/4" long. 


Philippians 1:3 "I thank God every time I think of you."

Encouraging Words

I stumbled across this awesome blog geared towards Christian Moms and have read so many encouraging things. I wanted to share this post with you all because I think every Mom needs to hear this every once in a while, I know I do. Here is the link if you liked this and want to read more. Adventures of A Supermom

"Honesty is acceptable here, right?  Ok, good.  For the last few days I have been asking the Lord to help me have something "meaningful" to say today for my blog.  Sadly, I kept asking and each time thought..."I've got nothing."  This, of course, made me feel like a Supermom.  Then He reminded me,"you've got me, Amy."  And I was reminded of the real reason we are using the word supermom.  Since we are being honest and all, or I guess just I am at the moment, let me confess there are times I forget this  important detail.  I find myself distracted by others, other's children, the differences between my family and the next.  And if I would remember who makes me super, it would change every word, action, inflection, glance, and expectation in my life as a whole, but specifically speaking, in me as a parent.
So, let's level the playing field here. What group of people are we talking about? Mommas!! Yay for moms!  I am doing a herkie and a toe touch in my mind as I cheer for us, our "club", our name!! (I think I actually tried to do a herkie for my friends a couple months ago at the park...probably wasn't pretty, but they are good friends.) Ok--back to seriousness. Let's capitalize on our unity simply due to our season of life.  Let's re-enforce our belonging to a community, a community of moms.  I've been thinking, we really are all the same.  A jar of clay (2 Cor. 4:7).  We ALL want the best for our little ones, we want them to grow into more than we are. We ALL get irritated, short fused, or embarrassed at times by the same little ones, too.  We have ALL fallen in public.  We ALL look skinnier in black. In a deeper look, we ALL, when the lights turn out at night and the hubs is already asleep, have a tendency to worry or obsess something.  We all need the shed blood of a precious Lamb for our righteous standing before a holy God.  We all are dependent on His Spirit to help us on a daily basis.  So here's my question, why do we get distracted by the differences and forget about the Kingdom we are all advancing together, one child at a time?
This relationship of momma to child is one that God, himself chose for us.  It is one He specially tailored for each, the mom and the child.  I'm sure another thing we have in common is that we all have the feelings of not being adequate enough to thoroughly walk this relationship and its demands out successfully.  Here's where being a Supermom comes into play.  Each of us, in our own strength or reasoning do not have have enough to get the job done.  A supermomma confesses this. She sets her face like an arrow into the One who possesses more than enough for each situation or child.  She leans into His supernatural Word, His Presence, and the Holy Spirit to fill her in order to pour out something that truly is super.  When she...I mean, we, do this, our children encounter God!  They encounter more than just the wonderful momma whose womb they were knit.  They encounter the One who knit them.
So, today- because we take one day at a time (Matthew 6:34) - let's all, each one of us in this wonderful, purposeful community called "mom" look at it as a mission to pass on what we can from our Lord to our children.  From one Love to the next. From the Super to the earthly.  1 Thessolonians 5:24 reminds us that FAITHFUL is He who called you.  Yes, you can pass this on to the babes because He has called you to do it! It's His desire and design is for you to succeed and take pleasure in it as you do."

Monday, April 18, 2011

Easter Egg Hunt


The Easter egg hunt was so much fun again this year. Thank you to those of you who did such a good job of hiding all of the eggs for our little ones. I know they all had such a great time.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Our Newest Moppet

Amy Pope welcomed Ethan David Pope on March 2, 2011. He weighed  8 lbs. 12 oz. and was 20-3/4" long. Congratulations Amy!


"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." Psalm 127:3


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Support Our Members

I have recently learned of several Moms in our group who own their own businesses. Take a look at each of these links and if you need a custom bow, cute tote, new clothes, or need anything embroidered get in contact with one of these ladies. After you buy all your cute new items, contact one of our local photographers and have them take a cute picture of you sporting your new items!

Nicole Bedford The Bow Girl
Joy Calhoun Joyful Photography
Sam Cilio Studio S Embroidery, Etc.
Shanna Edgington Thirty One Gifts
Sarah Harrigan Sarah Harrigan Photography
Julie Syvrud Photo Jewels Photography
Kevyn Yudizky Kevyn Lynn Photography
Cara Warren Cabi


Have a great Day,

Joy

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Meet The Steering Committee






1. Name:  Melody Ballard
2. Husband's Name:  Justin Ballard
3. Favorite thing about your husband:  Always puts his family first in any situation
4. Names & Ages of Kid(s):  Jalie Kaye (4), Katie Ryan (ETA 01/13/11)
5. Favorite personality trait of each child: Jalie - Dramatic, Katie - apparently athletic (future soccer player!) 
6. Church you attend:  FBC Rockwall
7: Occupation before becoming at SAHM:  Customer Service Manager Saint-Gobain Abrasives Call Center
8. What word describes you best:  I can't pick just one.....Conscientious and Relational.  I asked Justin.....he said Extraordinary!  (Use what you like!)  Hehe!
9. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD you've ever owned and do you still have it:  Shaquille O'Neal and NO I do not still have it!
10. What sport did you play in high school/college:  Dance and Basketball
11. Where did you grow up:  Dublin, Tx
12. When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do:  Look on the Internet.....Facebook, Email, Blogs, Shop Ebay

1. Name: Joy Calhoun
2. Husband's Name: Trey
3. Favorite thing about your husband: He is very giving -completely selfless
4. Names & Ages of Kid(s): Ella Love - 20 Months
5. Favorite personality trait of each child: She is such a little ham! She loves to make people laugh.
6. Church you attend: FBC Rockwall
7: Occupation before becoming at SAHM: Interior Designer
8. What word describes you best: Creative
9. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD you've ever owned and do you still have it: I have lots, probably Salt N Peppa. Yes I do, please let me know if you would like to borrow it!
10. What sport did you play in high school/college: Soccer
11. Where did you grow up: Wichita Falls, TX
12. When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do: I like to edit photos, blog, facebook or catch up on my TV shows




1. Name: Amanda Cannaday
2. Husband's Name: Zachary Cannaday
3. Favorite thing about your husband:He is such an awesome Christian role model.
4. Names & Ages of Kid(s): Ella Grace 2.5 and Emerson 8 months
5. Favorite personality trait of each child:  Ella Grace is our strong willed girl who knows what she wants but has her sweet, softer side when needed. :)  Emerson is such a little lover.  She loves to sit back and take it all in.
6. Church you attend: FBC Rockwall
7: Occupation before becoming at SAHM: Teacher
8. What word describes you best:  Giver
9. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD you've ever owned and do you still have it: Not sure about a cd, but I did have a Milly Vanilly tape. Ha! :)
10. What sport did you play in high school/college:  Track/Cheerleading
11. Where did you grow up: Forney, TX
12. When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do:  Blog and look through home improvement mags

1. Name: Sarah Friend Harrigan
2. Husband's Name: Mike
3. Favorite thing about your husband: Funny & Sweet
4. Names & Ages of Kid(s): Wesley 4 1/2, Justin 3, Aliyah 1 1/2
5. Favorite personality trait of each child: W- kind; Justin- passionate; Aliyah- sweet
6. Church you attend: Mineral Heights Baptist Church
7: Occupation before becoming at SAHM: Office Manager & Piano Teacher
8. What word describes you best: Creative
9. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD you've ever owned and do you still have it: ?? Some ocean CD I bought for "relaxation" for childbirth before I had Wesley. Ha. Ha. And, yes, I've seen it in a CD case around here every once in a while.
10. What sport did you play in high school/college: Volleyball & Softball
11. Where did you grow up: Illinois
12. When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do: Edit photos, blog, play the piano


1. Name: Ashley Howry
 2. Husband's Name: Travis Howry
 3. Favorite thing about your husband: One of my favorite things about Travis is his work ethic. I love how he gives his all when he's doing something. And I also love his legs :)
 4. Names & Ages of Kid(s): Emma Kate (2 1/2), Colt (1) and Baby (due in March)
 5. Favorite personality trait of each child: My favorite personality trait for Emma would be that she is a little comedian.  I never thought a two year old could make me laugh so much!  And my favorite personality trait of Colt is that he can be summed up in the word, Jolly.  He is seriously the happiest little guy I know!
 6. Church you attend: First Baptist Church Rockwall
 7: Occupation before becoming a SAHM: Middle School Choir Teacher
 8. What word describes you best: Laid-Back
 9. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD you've ever owned and do you still have it: Ricky Martin... come on you know you loved Livin' La Vida Loca too ;)  I don't have it anymore...not sure where it disappeared off to.
 10. What sport did you play in high school/college: I didn't play any sports.  I was involved with music.  I played in an orchestra through highschool, sang in a concert choir through college and played piano throughout both as well.
 11. Where did you grow up: In Iowa and Missouri :) Yay for corn and the Show Me State
 12. When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do:  I like to either blog or sew if I have a free hour to myself!  Both activities require a Dr. Pepper by my side. Delish!




1. Name: LINDSAY LEIGH MITCHELL
2. Husband's Name: CODY
3. Favorite thing about your husband: HARD WORKER, SOFT HEART
4. Names & Ages of Kid(s): GARRETT GLEN AGE 4...ALMOST 5
5. Favorite personality trait of each child: HAPPY
6. Church you attend: FBC ROCKWALL
7: Occupation before becoming at SAHM: ESCROW OFFICER, TITLE COMPANY
8. What word describes you best: HONEST
9. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD you've ever owned and do you still have it: YANNI
10. What sport did you play in high school/college: SOCCER
11. Where did you grow up: ROCKWALL




1. Name: Maria Moore  
2. Husband's Name: Marc
3. Favorite thing about your husband: Funniest person I know!
4. Names & Ages of Kid(s): Madden – age 2
5. Favorite personality trait of each child: He LOVES his mama!  Very sweet boy…
6. Church you attend: Preston Road Church of Christ
7: Occupation before becoming at SAHM: I am not a SAHM – I work at our church full time.
8. What word describes you best: BUSY!!  I hate to sit still for too long…. J
9. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD you've ever owned and do you still have it: Some of Britney Spears in her early years….yes, I still have it! 
10. What sport did you play in high school/college: Tennis (high school)
11. Where did you grow up: St. Louis, MO
12. When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do: Decorate/Piddle around the house




1. Name:  Amy Pope
2. Husband's Name: Elias Pope
3. Favorite thing about your husband:  He is so good with the girls
4. Names & Ages of Kid(s): Haley -5  Madison -2
5. Favorite personality trait of each child: Haley -inquisitive; Madison- outgoing
6. Church you attend:  First Baptist Church Rockwall
7: Occupation before becoming at SAHM:  Legal Assistant for City Prosecutor
8. What word describes you best:  hungary :)  (I'm pregnant)
9. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD you've ever owned and do you still have it:  never owned one
10. What sport did you play in high school/college: volleyball, tennis
11. Where did you grow up: Commerce, TX
12. When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do: watch TV


1. Name: Deanna
2. Husband's Name: Cody
3. Favorite thing about your husband: His quirky sense of humor
4. Names & Ages of Kid(s): Conner, 5 and Dylan, 2
5. Favorite personality trait of each child: Conner is a natural leader.  Dylan is very caring and concerned about others' feelings.
6. Church you attend: First Baptist Rockwall
7: Occupation before becoming at SAHM: Business Office Manager at an outpatient surgery center
8. What word describes you best: compassionate
9. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD you've ever owned and do you still have it: ?? I haven't bought a CD in years.  I can't think of one that I didn't like except for maybe the All 4 One Christmas album.  All of my other CD's are classics now. :)
10. What sport did you play in high school/college: volleyball, basketball and softball
11. Where did you grow up: Clovis, NM
12. When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do: read, clean, and catch up on emails



1. Name:Liz Keiser   
2. Husband's Name:Andy Keiser
3. Favorite thing about your husband:His Integrity (He makes me a better person) 
4. Names & Ages of Kid(s):Olivia (10), Julia (8), Sofia (4), Ana Maria (1)
5. Favorite personality trait of each child:Olivia (Adventurous and Funny), Julia (Genuine and Sweet), Sofia (Inquisitive and Talkative), and Ana (Cute and Cuddly)
6. Church you attend:Northplace in Sachse
7: Occupation before becoming at SAHM:College Student
8. What word describes you best:Helpful
9. Whats the worst/most embarrassing CD you've ever owned and do you still have it:Not much of a music person...I don't know if I've ever bought a CD...
10. What sport did you play in high school/college:I played varsity basketball in high school
11. Where did you grow up:San Antonio, TX
12. When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do:Anything outdoors or read a good book if I have to be inside

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Welcome MOPS 2010 - 2011

Welcome to MOPS 2010 - 2011! We are so very blessed to have each one of you incredibly inspiring Mommies to join us for the new MOPS year!

This year the MOPS theme is Momology - The Art and Science of Mothering. Did you know that mothering is both art and science, yes you read it correctly, each one of us is a Scientist and/or Artist! I will be the first to argue this one and say that I am definitely neither of these and there are more mornings that not that I feel that it is an accomplishment to simply be a maid....taking care of kids, fixing food, cleaning bathroom accidents, spills and doing it all in my pajamas! Did you know that God does not see us this way at all, it is actually an honor to be called a Mommy - God specifically designed me to match what my child needs in a Mom? What a blessing to know I have a purpose! And even though many times I look up wondering where the day went and what I have taught my little one, I know it is exactly what she needed!

My name is Melody Ballard and I am one of the coordinators for MOPS this year. I am so very blessed to be a wife to an amazing husband and a mommy to Jalie who is 4 years old and a soon to be mommy to Katie who is due in January! I praise His name for making me who I need to be to take care of my sweet babies. My prayer for each of us this year is to truly see how wonderfully made we are as God's children and how perfectly we have been designed to mommy our children. I look forward to an exciting year of fun, fellowship, mentoring, being mentored and most of all sharing time with other amazing ladies!

Oh and one last but very important thing......THANK YOU to each one of my steering team members, you are amazing and this year could not have been made possible without you!

All of my love to each of you.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14