Flashback Friday

my little spider last year...

The HopeLine

Many of you know that I volunteer on Sunday nights at the Hopeline, but you may not know what that means. I recently received a press release email that had a good description of what the organization is and does. If it sounds like something you'd be interested in being a part of, let me know. We are always looking for more hope coaches and you don't have to live where a call center is, you can do it remotely, from your house, in your PJs, while the kids sleep soundly....how cool of a volunteer gig is that. On November 8th, the hopeline will be celebrating 18 years of service. Wanna be a part of it?

About TheHopeLine

TheHopeLine is the outreach arm of Dawson McAllister Association which seeks to bring help, hope and rescue to a broken and hurting generation. TheHopeLine's God-given objectives are accomplished by employing state of the art technology and a team of mission-minded volunteers. These core elements are complimented by a cadre of like-minded partners who share a burden for this generation and have been given unique abilities to meet specific needs facing this generation. TheHopeLine may be thought of as a "coaching center" for teenagers and young adults utilizing telephone, one-on-one chat, and text messaging. HopeLine HopeCoaches strive to provide clear thinking and right values to those who are seeking help in dark times.

Trained volunteers called HopeCoaches staff the HopeLine from Dawson McAllister Association national call centers. These call centers are located in Sioux Falls, SD; Harrisburg, PA; Minneapolis, MN; Chattanooga, TN; and Spring Hill, TN. Additionally, there are Call Centers located on, or near, the campuses of Tennessee Temple University, Lancaster Bible College and Liberty University. Because of the employment of state of the art systems, many HopeCoaches also serve remotely from their home or office.

Founded in 1991, the HopeLine has answered thousands of calls and chats and is open during the evening seven days a week. Whatever the need, our goal is to guide each person toward ways of handling their struggles without turning to societal pressures such as alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, cutting, and even suicide. TheHopeLine attempts to meet the seeker where they are, providing sound, relevant coaching to the situation being experienced. Scripture and prayer are then offered as the HopeCoaches endeavor to share the healing truth of God's Word and the life-changing truth of the Gospel of Christ. By reaching them where they are an opportunity is created for the HopeCoach to guide the seeker to a positive approach toward life. As a bridge of trust is established seekers are often introduced to a network of Christian care focused upon supporting them in their time of need

Wordless Wednesday

Pumpkin Patch

We are trying to make a family tradition of attending a local pumpkin patch (check out our last years photos), and this year, I was a little worried that our 2nd annual trip would not happen as our weekends have been really busy. We actually were able to squeak a visit in today and it didn't seem like we were there very long, but at least we made it. Dylan really enjoyed running around, as the weather here lately as been well, winter like and nasty, so he hasn't had much time outside. He just wanted to go, go, go. Today made me realize that we are at the stage where it's getting more difficult to get a good picture of him, but I still try. He doesn't want to stop for a second to have a formal picture taken so all of his shots are action shots.
I joked with Damien that he should take my picture with Dylan so that Dylan didn't ask why Mommy didn't come with them. (Don't you hate being the photographer of the family sometimes)

Overall we enjoyed the sunshine and the abundant blessings that fall brings. We are so grateful to have a pumpkin patch near by that speaks about God, his creation and the blessings. (love the saying in the pic below, not a good pic of Dylan, but I pray this for him...."I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him"
Some other local pumpkin patches have scary things and haunted woods, so it's refreshing to see such a positive, family friendly patch. We look forward to many years at Gentry's....until next year....

the gymnast

Last week, Dylan and I met up with some gals from my MOMS group for a play date at a local gymnastic studio. I wasn't sure how he was going to do, if there was anything age appropriate, but he had a great time. There were about 15 kids there, but he didn't care about playing with any of them, he had his own agenda. He loved the block pit which he started jumping into immediately after seeing other kids do it, but as soon as the coaches brought out the slide, to slide into the block pit, it was all over. That was all he wanted to do, slide, have me pull him out (because it's hard to get out of, I jumped into it a few times with him) climb the ladder and slide again, over and over.

Finally I pried him away to do some other things, and he became a big dare devil. At one point he jumped off a ramp, which I didn't think he'd do, but he proved me wrong. He hurt his ankle and couldn't stand on it for a while. It was so sad, he tried to walk, limp on it and fall over. I was thinking, great he has broken his ankle, I am a horrible mom, but I guess he just jammed it.

running on the air track

bouncing

working on the unevens

Maybe one day, we will take gymnastic classes or something similar he had a great time, I just cannot justify the cost of it at his age, maybe next year. Guess we will continue to do it once a month with the group for $4.

Discover This

A few weeks ago, when we were having a lot of rain, I decided that Dylan and I were going to get out of the house and do something fun and active to spend some energy. I had heard great things about the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro so after Dylan woke up from his nap, we made the journey. I say journey because it's a little ways out there. I mean not too far, but enough to be like are we ever going to get there. I went to school in M'boro for 1 year of college and I have to admit, I was totally clueless where I was. The city has totally changed and I got to thinking what year did I go to school here. When was the last time I really drove around M'boro and not just thru it. It was 1997!!! GASP, 12 years ago. Are you kidding me? Am I that old? I should also mention this past week, I had my 31st before. The 20's are long gone :(

Anyway, once we got there, Dylan was a little shy. He typically is whenever we first get somewhere. Especially if we just woke up from nap. He clung to my leg a little but once he started playing there was no stopping him.

They had a cute little Tiny town where there was lots of little "stores" like a Kroger, Home Depot, Post office, music store, etc.

Then we checked out all the little areas like the farmer's market. Were Dylan got to put all sorts of fruits and veggies in his little basket.

The wheels area where he worked on a car and played with trains and cars. Here he is making the car sound as he pushes the car down the road.

The animal section where he loved finding all the different animals.

And his favorite, the waterworks area where he played in the water. Lesson learned, next time I will bring an extra set of clothes to change him into and we will play at that area last. They have rain coats but they are huge and I don't see Dylan really wearing them.

All and all it was worth the drive. I think membership is relatively inexpensive, so I think we are going to become members. As winter comes, we are going to have to find more indoor entertainment.