Moms Night Out at Francesco's

Can't we all use a night out now and then? I'm glad our MOPS group has been organizing Mom's Nights Out between meetings. I need more than just two Fridays a month to help keep my sanity. How about you? ;) Tonight we enjoyed the food, fare, and fellowship at Francesco's in Decatur.

♪ Hey mambo mambo Italiano ♪

Tonight was just what I needed, ladies! And thanks for letting Gus crash the party since he can't go longer than an hour without nursing. Happy mama = happy baby, right?

Plunge In!

We kicked off our first meeting of the school year today. Since this year's theme is "Plunge In," the ladies came up with a beach party theme that was put together so well. While I was excited to reconnect with friends and see some new faces, my camera was mostly pointed at the food! *blush* I couldn't resist snapping pictures before everything was gobbled up.

These had to be my favorite for the cute factor. Tinted cream cheese is spread on Ritz cracker with broccoli and chives mimicking sea vegetation while Goldfish swim around.

The peanut butter pudding in the sand bucket was delicious, but I had more fun scooping it out with the shovel than anything. Even went back for seconds.

These cheese cubes on drink umbrellas prove it doesn't have to be complicated to be cute.

Nutter Butter Flip-Flips. Who thinks of these things?

Mandarin orange boats floating in gelatin made me want to set sail.

Don't forget the life preservers while you're out on the boats.

Simple touches like serving fruit and snack mix with beach toys instead of bowls and spoons added and extra touch.

Hurricane glasses filled with beachy goodness adorned the tables

Thank you Steering Team and Mentors for creating an oasis for us with your beach party ideas!

Last Meeting of the Season

Friday was a bittersweet day. It was sweet because we enjoyed a mini-spa day and ice cream, but a little bitter since this was our last MOPS meeting of the season. At least we have a few playdates scheduled this summer to keep us from having total withdrawals until fall.

Our indulgences today ranged from the sweet treats to chair massages to pedicures! I was just the time-out this busy mama needed.

The first time I attempted to take a picture of this group I was almost assaulted. They were better sports later after Mary Kay worked her magic.

Getting our faces prepped for makeup.  

They weren't quite as self-conscious as group #1, but did insist that I be subjected to the same. Fair's fair! Here's my lip exfoliating treatment. We decided it would be a good idea to kiss our hubbies while wearing it then explain that's exactly how it feels to kiss them unshaved! ;)  

It's hard to reach your toes when you're pregnant, right mamas? We get by with a little help from our friends though.

 

Pumpkin Patch Playdate

We had lots of fun today at Tate Farms. The weather was gorgeous and the kids did great. They did everything that was offered, I hope to add more photos later.

Kick-off Meeting

It was a fun-filled first meeting.

Kendra manned the library and check-in

Yummy food was provided to munch and mingle

Name tags were crafted together

And a few brave souls battled for a t-shirt.
(Congrats to Meagan)

Join us again in two weeks when we create great tote bags for ourselves and a local charity organization. See you September 9th, 9:15-11:30!

Fall Consignment Sale Time

Here's the local sale dates:

Kids Swap, Decatur: Aug 24-27
Wee Swap, Cullman: Aug 26-28
Mommy and Me, Hartselle: Aug 31-Sept 3
Klassy Kids, Huntsville: Sept 2-11
Kids Stuff, Cullman: Sept 9-10
Mothers of Multiples, Huntsville, Sept 9-10
Kids Kloset, Huntsville: Sept 15-17
Kids Mart, Cullman: Sept 16-18
Kids Market, Huntsville: Sept 16-Oct 8

Happy Shopping!!

Storyboard- Making the Most of your Mothering

A group of us ladies drove up to Nashville for the night to enjoy an evening with 3000 other Mother's of PreSchoolers. Sara Grooves had us singing and sobbing. Comedian Kathy Lipp had us challenged and laughing. Writer Max Lucado kept us thinking. It was a great child-free, lady-filled time of worship and encouragement.

Next year, we'll have to take a bigger group!