SYMC Youth Ministry Conference

Last week we went to Chicago for Simply Youth Ministry Conference. I was looking forward to this trip. A much needed break from the everyday tasks of life, and as much as I love my sweet boys...I needed some rest from them also! We started off on Thursday & headed to Omaha! We did some shopping (I had b-day & Christmas money). I found some cute things...Mike however hit the jackpot @ JC Penney! He spent like $53.82 & then the cashier said "You save $232.94!" "WooHoo!" Mike replied....I was so jealous!

We spent the night at Bellevue Settle Inn...prophet's chamber! What an amazing ministry they provide to ministers! Such a blessing to have a relaxing first night away from home. We got up Friday morning & met up with Mike's Cousin Ryon & his wife Cheryl for the rest of our journey to Chicago. The travel day was long & we were tired once we got there...our room...very nice!

The conference was pretty good! We always learn alot! It was loads of fun! We spent the day in sessions & workshops. Then the evening sessions included fun stuff from the skit guys.
We (at least I did...Mike seemed to) also enjoyed Nicole C. Mullen concert & Toby Mac. It was so fun! All of these amazing people really made me feel so humbled & blessed by the way the showed their appreciation for what we in youth ministry do! So encouraging to hear their ministry stories & how thankful they are for youth workers!










This was a fun trip for Mike & I to just have time for us & to reflect on our ministry. We had some great brainstorming sessions & we are encouraged in the work we are doing in young peoples lives!
So...if you or your spouse are in ministry...find a conference to attend...its very encouraging time. It is refreshing for you personally & your ministry.

It was a great trip! A little long to be away from the boys...I was absolutely ready to go home!

Here I Go!!!

Well...I have thought about doing this for sometime now, but always thought..."what would I write about & who will read this?" Hmmm...both good questions, but I think it could be fun! I have enjoyed reading some great BLOGS recently & decided to join the fun!

I am soo blessed! First, my husband loves me more than I deserve & I am so thankful for him everyday! We have 2 amazing little boys! They bring so much JOY into my life! They are so amazing!

Lincoln is 2 & he is learning from his daddy how to treat me. He knows that to wake the princess, she needs kisses, and for about a week & a half, I have been waking up to a sweet little Lincoln face giving me kisses until he has my full attention. When he woke up from his nap today, he came out & snuggled with me on the loveseat. After a phone call from Mike, Lincoln gently touched my face & said "Mama, I like your face!" Then he touched my cheek & said "your cheek...and the other one." What a little sweetheart! These moments melt my heart!

Justice is 10 months old & he is so ornery! Sweet too...but mostly ornery! He is getting a mouth full of teeth & he likes to show them off with his cute little nose scrunched up all cute! He is starting to really jabber! His favorite words are Mom mom, dad dad & he likes to make kissy noises when we ask for kisses!

My hopes to grow from blogging include:
1) Remember more little thing that happen with my boys!
2) Recognize & praise Jesus in the little things.
3) Provide joyful moments to those who read.
4) Share my source for JOY.

So...just so everyone knows! My ultimate source for JOY is Jesus! He has given me an amazing family. I love how He continues to bless me!