Snapshots of Sarah

We love having a daughter. She has brought such JOY to our family! I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil. 1:3

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Stay-At-Home-Mom

Oh yes! I've made the decision not go back to work. I never imagined myself staying at home full-time. I had always planned on going back to work, but I guess it's one of those things you just can fully understand until after the baby comes. This is my first official week at home. They made the formal announcement at church on Sunday. Here's the note that our Pastor published in this weeks Pointer (electronic newsletter):

This past Sunday Mary Margaret Mitterling, our Director of Volunteer Ministries, announced she is stepping down from that role to become a stay at home mom. Mary is one of the original architects of BPF. After serving as Student Intern during our church's inaugural summer, Mary returned after college graduation a few months later to serve full time as Student Minister. Mary's life changes have mirrored BPF's growth.

In addition to Student Ministry, she helped establish one of our first Small Groups targeting 20-somethings where she met her eventual husband, Nathan. Eventually her interests broadened and Mary changed positions at BPF to become Director of Volunteer Ministries. She's done a tremendous job organizing ministries and helping people find their unique shape for service.

At the mark of her 5th Anniversary this past January Mary chose to go part time in preparation for maternity leave. Though she anticipated a return to work after the birth of Sarah Grace, the pull to stay home was greater than she expected. Mary's decision was one that most moms who have worked outside the home struggle with. Do I go back to work full time or part time…do I want to keep working? Do I want to stay home? Each woman's circumstances are different. There's no universal answer, just like there's no-one-size-fits-all shape for ministry. For a very driven young lady, the prayerful answer was a surprise – stay home.

Though I will miss your presence on our staff deeply Mary, I support you in your decision and wish you the same success at home nurturing a family you experienced here at BPF building a new church.

Pastoring a church where nothing stays the same for long is a challenge, but it's also exciting to see where God will take us next.
Greg

A note from Mary Margaret...The past 5 years of working at Brazos Pointe, have been great. I have loved being a part of our leadership team. We are blessed to have such an incredible team leading our church. They have challenged me to grow as a leader and in my walk with the Lord. I really appreciate their support of my decision. I will miss working alongside them in the office, but I am looking forward to being a volunteer. Thanks!
Mary Margaret

Saturday, July 7, 2007

American Girl

Happy 4th of July from our Little Sparkler! It has been raining! raining! So, we actually celebrated on the 5th of July. Lake Jackson has a GREAT fireworks display. Some friends of ours can see the fireworks from their driveway. So, we all gather at their house to eat some incredible food and just hang out until the show. Here are a few pics of Sarah's first 4th ...I mean 5th of July.

Grandmommy Evans thought Sarah Grace would look cute in bows, so Mommy came home from her Alabama trip with an assortment of colored bows. We think Grandmommy was right - Sarah does look cute in her little bow!


Thursday, July 5, 2007

Off to Alabama

Well, Nathan had to go to Germany for work...so Sarah and I headed to Alabama to visit my parents for the week. Yes, we FLEW to AL. That was quite an adventure all by myself. Did you know that you have to break down the stroller, remove the baby from the infant carrier, AND send it all through security??? Meanwhile, you're holding the baby, lifting the stroller onto the conveyer belt, carrying the diaper bag...and YES- my belt beeps as I pass through the metal detector. I always take my belt off, but this time- I forgot??? Oh well... I was thinking we would be able to wheel through the "handicap" entrance...OH NO! We did it though. Sarah was a great travel partner. ..but can I just say that God has a sense of humor because I was seated beside a big 'ole country boy and OF COURSE I had to nurse her on the plane. Umm...yeah-hopefully we won't see each other ever again. We had a GREAT time with my parents watching movies, shopping, and visiting my brothers. It was a great way to pass the time while Nathan was a way. Here are a few pics from adventures!