So, you read my last post, right? The one where we are being faithful to follow God's call for us to foster. Not only has he been cultivating that desire in our hearts, he has also been preparing us to become the Directors of the New Parent's class at our church. Ok, we kind of saw that one coming a few months back. We've been preparing and are super excited about the opportunity to lead and shepherd as a couple.
Then, God encouraged me to join MOPS this spring. I have enjoyed it beyond what I thought I would. I thought it would be some super girly silly Friday morning to-do. And, honestly, I kind of didn't mind that thought, though I had hopes it would be something more. It is. I have had so much fun being a part of it. The small group time is so meaningful and engaging. It is not at all all silliness, though is there some of that for good measure. (Can I nudge you if you haven't even tried MOPS to give it a go at least one semester? As long as your youngest is 5 or under, you qualify!)
My small group leader informed me at our Women's retreat in February that she had nominated me for leadership. That's cool, I thought. Sure, why not. I love to serve, so I turned in my application for finance, registrar and special events. Now fast forward a few months, and I get a call that they don't want me to do any of the things I put down, instead they want me to be a co-coordinator! Oh my goodness!
I am loving my involvement in MOPS leadership so far, and have the privilege of becoming friends with such strong leaders who passionately love God and people. I feel like I am firmly where I am supposed to be. Right in the middle of this craziness!! But, can I tell you, I have such peace, such fulfillment from all that is going on. I am more energized, and not as tired. Projects are getting done around the house, and I am so much more joyful in my time with Ethan and God (and Phil, of course :). We feel so ready to give back on new levels and in new ways for all the glorious things God has done for us.
A foster update: we turned in our application and were told with our small age range (0-3), we may be limiting our possibilities. That's fine with us. We'll wait for who God has for us. The next step is waiting to be asked to attend a training course. That could be delayed because their greatest need is for fostering older kids and sibling groups, both of which we don't feel prepared or called to do right now. So we wait.
This is his baby pool from last year, but the water spout makes it a mini-sprinkler park for him.
This is the neighborhood stray cat, Jo Jo. He has been coming to our back door since the first day we've moved in. Ethan has practically grown up with Jo Jo. In the past few weeks he's come around looking very malnourished. Against every sane thought in my head, we've sort of adopted Jo Jo and feed him daily. Ethan's not allowed to touch him. We're pretty sure he is as allergic to cats as Phil is. Nevertheless, he loves to boss Jo Jo around and yell through the window, "Jo Jo EAT! EAT!" while he's eating.
It is of utmost importance we work on our fruit everyday. Ethan will not tolerate being interrupted while he is hard at work. 
We've been exploring the indoor bounce places and I'm really digging them! What a steal - $5 play all morning, come back after naps. Yes, please! Ethan was so adventurous this day and climbed all the way to the top and went down over and over. My heart was pounding, of course.
We just returned from a mini-vacation at Lake Conroe with Phil's mom and dad. Here we all are (with my mom who made the trek to meet us in the Woodlands for an afternoon and dinner). We had such a wonderful time by the pool, playing tennis, and taking Ethan on his first boat ride on the lake. Ethan loved all the attention from Gram and Pa and Phil and I greatly enjoyed our quiet moments with cable tv.
