Aunt Patti and Uncle Bruce just recently spoiled us rotten on our trip to see them in TN. It was fabulous! They took us all over Knoxville- we got to see everything from the men’s college basketball team playing their first game of the season to seeing the snow-topped mountains up close and personal. Without saying another word, I’m just going to post the pictures and let them speak for themselves.
Getting excited on the way to the airport!
Sitting almost on the front row at the basketball game!
Though some of the fall leaves had fallen, the foliage was still just amazing.
My sweet Aunt Patti!
Did I mention how cold, but gorgeous it was on top of the mountain?
One in a million!
It was so nice to get away with Chris for a weekend.
Back at the base of the mountain...
Cool surprise...
On the way back to Knoxville after driving into the smokies, we stopped in Gatlinburg and to my surprise I found Arrowmont. Arrowmont is owned by my sorority, Pi Beta Phi and is a really cool place where artists can come and refine their craft, or take new classes to learn new skills. Since crafting is something I am personally passionate about, it was quite a treat to find Arrowmont here and to get to see it in person after hearing so much about supporting it through Pi Phi. You can learn more about Arrowmont here.
Overall, this trip was exactly what I needed. I didn’t realize how badly I needed to have a break with Chris and to get to see my family. Thanks again Bruce and Patti- you two are amazing and I LOVE spending time with you.
Our MOPS group has taken on a mission project this year to help the families of Willow Creek Fellowship who are in need. While most of the Plano area is affected by a large amount of wealth, this church has a large base of members without enough means to even buy their own children presents for Christmas. This is where we step in. We’ve started “Gifts of Grace” in order to lend our support to these families during Christmas. It’s kind of like buying a gift from an angel tree at the mall, but this time you’ll be helping my MOPS group to help poeple very near to us. Please consider what you can do.
My plan this year is to go through the tons of toys my own children have and take at least half of them to a resale shop to sell them. I’ve been burdened over the few short years of having children that even with the little that we have- it is too much. My kids won’t even miss these things, and with the money I make I’m going to go buy new toys for Gifts of Grace. How fun! Then my kids can help me wrap the gifts and we will drop them off with their tags at our church… it should be a wonderful Christmas event for our family!
Here’s how you can help: this is an exerpt from my friend Amy who spearheaded Gifts of Grace:
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“I started by asking around for something my MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers) group could do to help needy families in our community. I was then introduced to Pastor Roy Frady, of Willow Creek Fellowship of Plano, who serves mostly an underprivileged, multicultural congregation. From talking with Pastor Frady, I realized this community was in dire need of help. Along with needing food and clothing, he told me many of the children got nothing for Christmas last year, but small things the church handed out. I couldn’t believe families living only 15 minutes from me couldn’t afford to buy their kids ONE toy, when I have an ENTIRE playroom overflowing with them!
“Amazingly, Pastor Frady has come up with ways to provide this community with food, clothing and school supplies. Well, then by golly… I wanted our MOPS group to provide them with toys!!!
“This is how Gifts of Grace- Toys for East Plano was started and where I need your help blog land:-) Please, Please help a child in need. All you have to do is 3 simple steps!!
1. Cut out a tag provided on this pdf file.
2. Purchase a toy.
3. Mail your NEW toy with a securely attached tag by Nov. 30th to:
Grace Community Church
Att: Toys for East Plano
4501 Hedgcoxe Road
Plano, Texas 75024
**Please mail gifts by November 30th
You may send wrapped or unwrapped toys as long as you include a tag.
Our goal is to provide 800 Toys for this community need. Please help us reach our goal and make a difference in a child’s life!
“I can’t wait to show you photos of the day we get to hand out these toys to the families! I hear there will be a long line of very thankful people wrapped all around the church. I just pray we get enough gifts for each child! If you live in my community and would like to help, please contact me.
“For more information about participating churches please visit: www.findgrace.org and www.willowcreekfellowship.us
“We only have a few weeks to get 800 TOYS!”
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So there you have it people, a way to help those in need, and a way to involve your own children in giving to others. If you have any more questions about this, please email me at kerrico@gmail.com. I’m counting on everyone reading this to get involved!
This morning while Chris was getting ready for work:
Amai: “Daddy, was I a boy when I was in mama’s belly?”
Chris: “No, you were always a girl.”
Amai: “Oh.” Big pause. “Were you in mama’s belly?”
Chris: “No, she’s not my mama. Do you remember who my mama is?”
Amai: laughing “Nanny.”
Amai: “So you don’t belong here?”
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