WOW!!!

We have all commented at some point or another, and even more than once, that this has been such an inspiring, informative, andenjoyable experience. We've met countless other mothers, learned from acclaimed authors and speakers, and listened to some of the most beautiful and angelic-like voices. Our minds are jammed, our hearts full, and our suitcases PACKED (with all of the wonderful things we've purchased at the Resource Center) as we prepare to leave this convention tomorrow. I know I speak for everyone when I say that we are leaving here not only equipped with new ideas for our local MOPS groups, but also refreshed and overflowing with the inspiration we need to take home and, once again, embrace our roles as mothers.

There are certainly some highlights from our trip to share...

Julie Barnhill...hilarious mother and author of One Tough Mother

Go Fish...music group consisting of three men (also daddies) whose upbeat music is guaranteed to get every parent and child bopping to their beat

Erwin McManus...pastor, motivational speaker, and author of Living Wide Awake

Plumb...mother of three children and singer

Nic Gonzales and Jaci Valasquez...husband and wife duo (also parents), whose amazing voices I could've listened to for hours on end. They were so cute together and their banter back and forth on stage made all of us smile.

Getting to see and hear from Lynn Spears (mother of Brittany and Jamie Lynn)

"Real" moms and MOPS members who got up and shared their touching, and very personal stories about the roles MOPS had played in their lives.

Dr. Tim Kimmel...parenting author of many books including Grace Based Parenting, which all of us thoroughly enjoyed

The Gaylord...WOW! This place is amazing.

Spending time with the amazing group of women and mothers on our MOPS Steering Team. They all have such tremendous gifts to bring to our MOPS group and are truly inspiring people.

Our dinner together last night (at Rainforest Cafe) laughing and having a great time.

Talking by cell phone to our families back home...hearing "I miss you mommy" and "we can't wait until you get back home" and the excitement we all have to get back home and hug each one of our children and our husbands!