New Moms

I was thinking today of all of the girls who we have had through our youth ministries over the last 16 years and how that so many of them became mommies over the last year. I'm showcasing two special mommies here today:

Elizabeth....at http://thehollierfamily.blogspot.com/ was my first daughter by heart. We met when she was in middle school and now she is a pastor's wife and mommy of Sam. God used her in my life more than she could ever know...to help fill barren arms....funny how the year she went off to college was the year I got pregnant with Savannah. God knows what He's doing. On a side note...Elizabeth's sister, Melissa (also a sweetie) is expecting her first baby later this year.

Lacey... if you told Lacey that she would get pregnant during her first year of marriage, I am sure she would have laughed in your face.....but that's what happened! Lacey is a youth pastor's wife and mommy who blogs over at  http://plhlynch.blogspot.com/ . She's a missions-minded momma...and I personally can't wait to see how God directs her family in the future.

These girls led dedicated lives for the Lord long before they married. One of my favorite memories was a small Bible Study I had with 6 or so teens. They came faithfully, studied and lived out what they learned. Perfect...no. Striving...yes! We enjoyed many years of youth camp together, retreats, late night talks and lots of prayers, tears and laughter.

Elizabeth and Lacey are excellent examples of young women who are raising kids with knees to the earth. Praying and seeking God's guidance each step of the way. You can tell by the way they blog of their struggles, their victories, their hearts and their families. I'm so proud of them and what sweet mommies they are....I just wish we all lived closer so we could get together for a play date!

Favorite Mom Moments

In honor of Mother's Day I'd like to list my top mommy-moments (so far):

1. The birth of both my kids.....incredibly different since one was full term and one was at 27 weeks...but they both rank right up there as a couple of the most beautiful moments in my life.

2. Savannah's first smile

3. Tucker's first round of stitches...and then second round 10 days later!

4. The fact that Tucker (4yo) still wants to "snuggle up" first thing in the morning

5. Homeschooling Savannah (7yo) and watching her eyes light up when something finally clicks

6. Watching my kids learn about Jesus

7. The first time Savannah worked at The Mission helping to sort food for the needy.

8. Tucker's first hair cut....a buzz cut....he was only 20 days old. (His hair was about 5 inches long and sticking straight up before the haircut!

9. Bedtime prayers

10. In the kitchen cooking with the kids....it may be much messier....but some great memories have been made with us around a bowl of cookie and bread dough!

What are some of your Most Memorable Mommy Moments? Share please!