ELEVATED MOM'S NEWSLETTER
November 2015
Hey, wait a minute! It’s (still) my turn!
I attended and also served at the Family Fun Fest at ELC recently. I always love being at this event because I get to take my granddaughter with me and she loves getting the opportunity to dress up and get candy before Halloween. Kamyia is for the most part all about trying something new as long as other kids are involved.
Well, on this particular Sunday, Kamy helped me to bake a dessert to take as a giveaway for the Cake Walk (musical chairs) game. She didn’t quite understand that we were making this for others to take home, and not for us to take to share with all of the others (so funny). She would soon find out the difference with this little lesson in life.
Kamyia asked me several times about getting a sweet treat or going and collecting the dessert that we made earlier so that she could have some. I had to remind her a couple of times as to why she couldn’t have any of that, but exactly what she would have to do if she did want something. She finally saw the kids participating in the Cake Walk game and she instantly wanted to join in. So when it was her turn, she turned in her ticket and found an open spot in the circle. As soon as the music began, she heard a familiar tune and instead of just following along in the circle, she started dancing as she moved in the circle. So naturally when the music stopped, everyone found an open chair except her. Her turn ended and the kids were ready to move on with the continuation of the game, including the little 4 year old. She was the youngest person participating with all of the big kids. I had to in a sense pull her out of the way because she had no intentions of ending her game. Once on the sideline, she of course pouted for a few and I had to explain why she lost her turn. She calmed down and stood by quietly watching. Then it was time for another game to begin and Kamy felt that she understood the rules and wanted to try again. And so she did just that. The music again started, and she caught herself from getting the party started. All of a sudden, she had her game face on and she marched forward; focused. Let me tell you that that little girl made it all the way through to being one of the last 3 kids standing. When the game ended, she had some of the big kids congratulating her because of her achievement. Kamyia walked away from that game with her head held high because she, even as a 4 year old, knew that it was a job well done. Talk about a proud GiGi moment!
I always love the lessons that we as moms get to deal with, teach, and learn with and through our little ones. But that moment when they actually prove to us the benefit of said lesson is when I feel it’s one of our greatest parental tests checked off.
Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Mommy Moment with Aja
It's Saturday morning 7 am. I hear two of my four babies running into our room, they're getting ready to climb into bed with us. Not even 5 min later and here come the other two. Roman (our Doberman) hears all the commotion & starts barking, he wants out of his crate. The kids are jumping on Dad to "get up" they are hungry and ready for breakfast. The house is up! I better start to open my eyes. I'm not even awake 10 min and I start to feel my mind beginning to race.
-Brea's gotten taller, her 7's no longer fit. I need to go shopping for size 8's. She has a b-day party coming up, better grab a present for her to take while I'm out. She's adding cooking class to her list of activities, don't forget to sign her up. Also the 4 are doing winter swim lessons, still have to register them for that too. Romans updated vax records are on the counter, take them with you to McKee's today. Make sure to stop & grab a few bags of candy for the Church and upcoming family fun fest. We'll drop them off when we go to service. I need to set an alarm for my 11 o'clock conference call, otherwise I'll miss it. I have to get to Costco. We need toilet paper, paper towel, laundry pods, and food for the kids lunches for the week. I'll grab their new winter jackets & a few Christmas presents for them while I'm there too. What?? Christmas already?!-
I need coffee. As I walk into the kitchen to make a cup, I stand at the island. I'm watching my 4 beautiful children, their wonderful Dad, my husband/my rock, & Roman chasing each other around, playing, and running all over the house. It's loud. For a moment I zone out. The 80's movie Cocktail comes to mind. The scene where the Uncle is telling Tom Cruise, "One morning you're going to wake up, look around and say...Where did they all come from??!" YEP. I can't help but LOL. I snap back to reality. As my coffee is brewing, I take a moment to thank God for all of my blessings. I live a crazy hectic life. Nothing is easy about it. Yet God chose ME, so I am intentional about having a spirit of gratitude even on my worst days. Insert thought, Charlotte Gambill's, Welcome to the Middle! Oh yes, there are days when I would LOVE to row my boat back to the shore. I refuse to give into the enemy & I won't do it. I believe with my whole heart, God's word and his promises, to ALL of his sons and daughters who choose to believe. So here I am, continuing to lead myself, and to push our family forward! I'm excited for our next level, knowing that our best days have yet to happen!! As I'm pouring my coffee I hear this way deep down in my spirit...
**No matter how hard YOU try to be Super Mom, the cape is just a Fairy Tale. The ONLY thing that makes YOU super, is the strength of CHRIST ALONE** Amen!!
As always, perfect words, in perfect timing. The non existent cape is off. I am a Mom who is choosing to not lean on her own understanding. To continue to trust in God, to walk by Faith, not by sight, & remember that I've been covered by God's grace! I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me, and for this truth, my heart rejoices!!
Aja Hicks, Mom to Brea 6 1/2, Kasyn 5, Garin 3 1/2, & Aven 2 1/2
Kid's Prayer Corner
Easy fun project for pre-schoolers to start a great conversation and lesson on thankfulness!
Prayer Corner
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you God for this band of women we have in Elevated Moms. As we enter a season of Thanksgiving , Peace and Joy I want to be more greatful then ever of the people you have put in my life.
I want to let thankfulness take hold of my heart. My family is a blessing, the little ones who you've trusted me to mother are promise, thank you! I want to live a life of praise and gratitude. Hallelujah!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. Psalm 100:4-5
Health and Fitness
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1½ cups)
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 cups brown rice, cooked
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
1. In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the same skillet. Stir frequently and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice and cook until coated, about 1 minute.
3. Add chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and stir in broccoli. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Serve once cheese is melted.
A21 Freedom Walk
ICE - Craft Night
Play date
Moms Night In (MNI)
Info to register is on Meetup.com. $30 per person.
Friday, Nov 6, 2015, 07:00 PM
12204 Knots Lane, Frisco, TX, United States
ICE Night - Impartaion and Guest Speaker
We get the opportunity to be blessed by Hope Angell for our last ICE Night of 2015. It's also raffle night, so if you'd like something included as a giveaway, contact Renee' or bring it with you on that night.
Drinks will be provided. Please bring a sweet or salty snack to share.
Sunday, Nov 15, 2015, 07:00 PM
TBD
Happy Birthday to our Amazing Mamas!!!
Katie Donaldson 11/5
Karissa Green 11/17
Jamie Floyd 11/18
Jennifer Daly 11/19
Allison Mueller 11/26
Mandi Juliana 11/28
Vicky Hawkins 11/29
Welcome To Our New Mamas
If I missed any new moms, please message me and we'll get you in our next newsletter!
Leadership Team
Sara Especulta - 817-881-4299/ saraespeculta@yahoo.com (Communication Leader)
Dolores Maldanado - 972-992-8038/ doloresmaldo@gmail.com (Prayer Leader)
Renee' Carroll - 469-605-6514/ touchdowngo@gmail.com (Group Leader)