Elevated Mom's Newsletter
June 2016
it's a beautiful life!
What defines who you are on a daily basis? Other than the good Lord, what keeps you grounded and continuously going? Is it your family, friends, children, spouse, job, your past, life in general? What makes (or made) you, you?
I think about things like this often. I reflect quite a bit on my past and losing my dad when I was 12 and how that made me feel as a young girl. The emptiness that I dealt with. The biggest part of that time in my life was that it forced me into maturity way before I was ready. I took on a completely different role, but was still a child. I became my mom’s shoulder to lean on. Over the next so many years, I was there for her as I helped her to get back to living and finding her happy place again and even helping to raise my sister.
During this time, we made a huge move from the north to the south suburbs of Chicago so that we could be closer to family. I dealt with saying good bye to my closest friends (at the time) and starting over with finding new ones and dealing with the joys of high school. This is when life started to take off in a million different direction.
During the course of this time, my mom was diagnosed with skin cancer and went through remission and it returned, I graduated from high school and traveled to Australia for 3 weeks, became a mom at the age of 19, and then lost my mom 10 days after I turned 21.
Again, I was left feeling empty, very angry, and also completely confused. But this time it was different then when I lost my dad. Now I was a young adult and a parent of a 1 year old. I had to take the time to realize that I wouldn’t have my mom around anymore to argue with, or to turn to for parenting advice. Who would walk me down the aisle when I get married? Some of life’s biggest decisions were plaguing me.
Well, many years have passed since those two or even three life altering events and because of my beliefs, my heart, my never give in nor give up attitude, and all of the wisdom that I have soaked up after all of this time has essentially defined me. It’s all an essential part of my past but an even bigger part of my HISTORY. All of the memories that were created from each situation has helped to mold me into the woman that I am.
People used to ask me, “how were you able to go thru so much pain and loss and yet you never turned to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism? How are you still here on this earth, thriving well beyond the average?” My response was always, “because I have to. I have too much to live for. Too many things that I’d like to accomplish in life, in honor of my parents. What good would it do me to stop living my life because of what I went through?” The looks were always priceless. Truly baffled and in awe as though I may have been a little off but at the same time, destined for so much more. Just like you are girlfriend.
Now when things happen that I’m not too happy with, I just brush it off and find the positive in that negative situation. Smiling and laughter are my medication and coping mechanisms. I am blessed and highly favored.
There is always going to be a light at the end of a very long hallway or tunnel. Sure, turning around and heading in the opposite direction is always an option but I’d never recommend it. Once you’ve past that negative up, you never know how it may attempt to affect you if you try to go back to it.
Life is sweeter and more beautiful the harder you push yourself to break past your past and start realizing that it all happened for such a time as this. To define you. To help you realize you’re living on the Beautiful side of life.
Psalm 23:1-6
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
I love you ladies-
Renee'
mommy moment with Rosalie Coburn - mentor mom
As I reflect back on 38 years of being a mom, I am flooded with many emotions. Joy, sorrow, peace, agony, frustration and accomplishments. What could I have done better, why didn't I do this, why was I given 3 children with special needs? But when I gave my life to Jesus, the answers came. He knew what I could and could not handle even before I surrendered my life to Him. I know now with all my heart and soul, He had a plan. A journey a road that I had to travel so that He could receive the glory and He would so graciously allow me to encourage other moms. With 4 children with 4 different personalities, He very much stretched me!
Your children never stop being your babies. Adult children need you just as much now as when they are little but in different ways. And only with Christ as my foundation, with constant non stop prayers, and right alignments am I able to give this testimony! Some of you know my son's testimony. Some of you know about Angelina and what happened to her that caused her to have Cerebral palsy. If not I would love to tell you those testimonies. And now He has given me 3 grandbabies that I so love and adore, as I get to watch my children be parents.
Mommas, let me encourage you. Never stop praying for your babies even when you want to throw in the towel! I know, I've been there! I honor you as the next generation of mommies bringing up your children in a world flooded with secular ways. You are strong, you are beautiful and you have a purpose! God blessed you with precious babies to love and care for. Not an easy task however just remember He loves you and will equip you to be the mommie YOU were called to be.
Psalm 3:5-6
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
Love Rosalie
Rosalie's baby's.
Rosalie's grandbaby's.
Rosalie and her husband Steve
Summer Fun Ideas for your Children
- Make a bird feeder
- Visit a farmer's market
- Go on a nature hunt
- Eat snow cones
- Play at a splash pad
- Picnic at the park
- Run through sprinklers
- Watch fireworks
- Visit the zoo
- Watch a movie
- Make an indoor fort
- Water balloon fight
- Make s'mores
- Go to a baseball game
- Visit the beach
- Take a road trip
- Have a dance party
- Bake cookies
- Play hide-n-seek
- Go camping
- Visit a local pool or waterpark
- Playdates with friends
- Make playdough
- Play with bubbles
- Slip-n-slide
- Make Popsicles
For more fun ideas: http://thecraftingchicks.com/160-summer-fun-list-ideas/
Mom's Prayer Corner
A Yelling Mama's "Rescue Me" Prayer
God help me to be kind. Help me to be gentle. Help me to be loving. You know that's not how I'm feeling right now. You know I'm frustrated with ________________. Even though I ask you daily to order my day, I struggle to receive the interruptions and challenges with grace. Please help me to lean into you in times like this. Rescue me, God, from the damage I can do if I don't surrender to you! Holy Spirit guide me! Help me to love my child well, guarding my tongue, while parenting with consistency and grace.
Amen.
Grilled Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Ingredients:
- 4 (6 oz) chicken boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 Tbsp lime zest
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing grill
- 1 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 medium avocados (ripe but semi-firm), diced
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion, rinsed under cool water to remove harsh bite
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
Directions: http://www.cookingclassy.com/2015/07/grilled-cilantro-lime-chicken-with-avocado-salsa/
ICE NIGHT
upcoming events
Please be sure to check our Facebook events and update your RSVP as dates and times sometimes change. And keep in mind that we no longer use Meetup.com.
Bowling at Strikz
Friday, Jun 3, 2016, 11:00 AM
Strikz Entertainment, Lebanon Road, Frisco, TX, United States
Playdate at Stacy's Home
Saturday, Jun 11, 2016, 10:30 AM
1420 Augusta Dr, Aubrey, TX, United States
Celebration Park Splash Pad
Tuesday, Jun 14, 2016, 10:00 AM
Celebration Park, Angel Parkway, Allen, TX, United States
Pajama Party - Game Night, Mom's Night In
Let's get together for a fun, casual evening and play some games. Feel free to bring your favorite game and show up In your pj's/ comfy clothes.
Tuesday, Jun 14, 2016, 07:00 PM
948 Foxgrove Lane, Providence Village, TX, United States
Summer Movie!
Wednesday, Jun 22, 2016, 09:30 AM
Cinemark Allen 16 and XD, Allen, TX, United States
CooCoos Playdate!
All day admission (open-close):
• 4 and Older: $8.00 Per Person
• 3 and Under: $5 Per Person
Tuesday, Jun 28, 2016, 10:00 AM
CooCoos, West Park Boulevard, Plano, TX, United States
July ICE Night
NO childcare provided. Adventure Kids is an option. Raffle prizes given away. Bring a summer inspired snack to share. Drinks provided.
More details to come.
Sunday, Jul 17, 2016, 07:00 PM
2621 Tradewinds Drive, Little Elm, TX, United States
Happy Birthday to our Amazing Moms!
June Birthdays
26 – Arci Alviar
27 – Kari Burkhardt
27 – Magan Kasper
30 – April Anderson
Playdate Fun
Leadership Team
Renee' Carroll - 469-605-6514/ touchdowngo@gmail.com (Group Leader)
Dolores Maldonado - 972-992-8038/ doloresmaldo@gmail.com (Prayer Leader)
Angela Bynum - 214-215-9215/ abynum8@yahoo.com (Communication/Play Date Leader)