Saint Matthew Women's Retreat

I was lucky enough this year to go the Saint Matthew Women's Retreat 

held in Santa Cruz (AKA beach paradise). 

So blessed to be surrounded by women of all ages filled with such love. 

I decided to go on the annual retreat this year since a few of my friends 

were going and I heard nothing but positive things about past retreats. 

I was hoping to meet some new friends, while also 

taking away some meaningful life lessons. 

Here is the view from the front of the retreat center. 

The scenery was beyond words. Peaceful and so beautiful. 

It made for the perfect spot for reflection and relaxation.

Our "Saint Matthew's Young Mom's Group" with Pastor Mary

With a few missing since they couldn't make it to the retreat.

I love these girls! 

(I'm not quite mature enough at the age of 33 to call us women yet)

Some of us have been meeting for weekly Bible Study for over 5 years. 

They give me such perspective in life and have helped me though some tough times. 

I feel so blessed to have met each and every one of them. 

My roommate for the weekend, Amie, along with Lisa and Loni

My girl, Marsha. 

The pre-retreat began with a 5 week Bible Study that led up to the topics that we would be discussing during the retreat. I didn't really know what to expect, but knew that it would all be good. There were guest speakers that lead discussions and lessons on the following topics: Forgiveness, Compassion, Gratitude and Being Enough. Each lesson left me with important things to think about, ways to challenge myself and how I can take these lessons and apply them in my own life. Always a humbling experience to be faced with some tough self reflection, but also wonderful to realize that we are all such works in progress and that is what God loves the most about us.   

We got a few hours of free time, so a few of us went down the beach and took a nice walk. It was crystal clear and so peaceful. I wasn't used to having a weekend all to myself, so really tried to take advantage of the peace and harmony around me. 

Thank you Saint Matthew for a memorable weekend away. 

I came home relaxed and feeling like my heart was so full. 

Halloween Fun

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays with the kids. There is always so many fun adventures, parties and festivities. We love visiting the Clayton pumpkin patch (visited 2x this year) and Roman had so much running in all the hay mazes. Here are some of my favorite pics of all the fun.

Found a pumpkin 

Nice hat! The size of that spider is my worst nightmare.  

Paisley always needed a friend by her side when going through the mazes. I was so proud of Roman since he went a few times by himself.  

 We could have done this for hours. Loved jumping in and out of the beans. 

We met the Pumpkin man 

Both kids picked what they wanted to be for Halloween and never once changed their minds. 

Paisley was all about Minnie for day 1.  

When Roman first told me he wanted to be Lightening McQueen, I was a little disappointed since I didn't think the costume was that cute (how rude of me?). I quickly realized the days of picking my kids costumes was over and that was OK. He could have lived in his costume day and night and when he put it on his face just lit up. A humbling moment as a Mom to realize all that really matters is that he was happy. I already asked him what he wants to be next year. His answer, A pumpkin! We will see when it comes around again next year. 

Fun at the My Gym Halloween Party.  

These 2 loved playing together at My Gym. 

Thank you Nana for the extra, extra large pumpkin.  

 Paisley was totally into getting the seeds outs. 

Pop to the rescue. Thanks for helping out.  

Decent job. This is not easy work.  

 Clayton Pumpkin Patch Round 2. 

This time we visited with Nana on Halloween morning.

Hi Nana!  

 This boy loved the mazes. 

 Ready to head out to the Honey Halloween Party

Some of our favorite neighborhood friends 

I caught Paisley just sitting here staring at the cute Halloween desserts. I'm hoping she didn't dip her finger into too many of them before I caught her. She loves her sweets.  

Thanks for the party Carson! Such a sweet little strawberry.  

Roman's Best Friend, Ellie. 

These 2 had so much fun together. They loved going to each house and were always ready to keep going. She has been so good to him since the day he was born. He is so lucky! I love this girl. 

Ready to GO Trick or treating.  

After about 10 houses, Paisley was happy as can be to just sit in her car and eat her lollipop.  

 Near the end of the night, we picked up Marley to join us and visit our neighbors. 

 The loot! 

Got a good mix. I had to get rid of some after I caught myself eating some for breakfast. 

Happy Halloween my friends. Until next year. 

A Special Sunday

Every good and perfect gift is from above.

James 1:17

Paisley Marylyn Maddox

Baptized Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012

by Pastor Sara at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Walnut Creek

Godparents: Ryan and Lauren Kelling

Such a blessed day

I really drenched her when I poured "in the name of the Holy Spirit"

Paisley was happy throughout the entire ceremony. We were so proud of her. 

The Family

 Paisley's Godparents, Uncle Ry Ry and Aunt Laurie with their sons, Carson and Graham

We feel so honored that Paisley has such a wonderful set of godparents. Ryan and Lauren have always been such a support to us throughout the years and such a special part of our kids lives now too. We are so thrilled to have them close by (now that they moved back to the Bay Area), so we can now see them all the time. Most importantly, we are excited to watch their boys (Carson and Graham) grow up too. 

 Hello Handsome

Paisley taking it all in 

 Pastor Sara

 Cousins

4 Generations: Jason with his Grandma, Mom and Paisley

 We had a small celebration back at my parents house. All Paisley wanted was a donut. This is our traditional Sunday snack after church, so I knew I had to have them after her baptism. 

Scott is such an awesome cousin to Paisley and Roman.  

We had the perfect day relaxing, playing, eating and rejoicing in the special day. It was nice to have a small celebration with just our family.