Why did October seem to last only a week? It has been the shortest month on record.
As many of you know I pride myself somewhat in my ability to say “no” to the many requests for time and service asked of me. In fact…I’m NOT so proud to admit that it’s become my default reply in many cases. It’s the season of “no” for me because the kids are small and my husband is busy and I can’t sacrifice them for the urgent needs of a few people I don’t live with and am not responsible to or for.
October though, October was full. October 2011 has become the poster month for WHY I say “no” to the extras. October had me running full tilt and almost NONE of it had anything to do with what I was asked of me. It was almost entirely a race of responsibility, obligation, focus and goal oriented commitment. Sunday school, family, Owen’s FUSE team and school. Those four things were the beautiful culprits in my being overwhelmed. I don’t like that feeling but simultaneously I look back over the month and there are so many GORGEOUS moments I was able to relish. Owen’s birthday, the bonfire at the Maasen’s house, teaching about joy and character in dealing with loss on the 10th anniversary of my mother’s passing, tailgating with my church family on the lawn outside our building, watching the boys play in the leaves up at Dad’s house in Michigan, meeting my brother’s fiance’, seeing Owen worship on stage and personally having the opportunity to be a real contributor (I wrote a brief article for the local papers and news outlets to publish about a school event…fun! you can read it at the end of this post) to the biggest fundraiser of the year for the boy’s school. Having family here from Florida and enjoying the boys playing with their cousin this past weekend, snapping pictures of four little Kelso boys in pajamas listening to their grandma read a bedtime story, relaxing and watching and building a fire and making pumpkin ice-cream (on a whim, which is always the best way) and seeing friends and making new ones and doing it all just barely on time.
Yes, October was busy and even stressful but it was very, very GOOD, and had I said “yes” to anything beyond my real commitments, my foundational busy, I would have probably had a breakdown.
Thank you God for teaching me to say “no” to the extras. You must have known October was coming.
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Mt. Juliet Christian Academy Shopping Extravaganza article
“Shop till You Drop at MJCA” – by Mary Kelso
What do you get when you combine some of Middle Tennessee’s finest crafters, Wilson County’s penchant for good family fun and a great cause? The Fifth Annual Mount Juliet Christian Academy Shopping Extravaganza! It’s like visiting Etsy on foot, like Pinterest in person, a buffet for hungry holiday shoppers, it’s going to be fantastic!
Mt. Juliet will be flocking to MJCA on November 5th for what has been called “The Best Single-Day Shopping Event in All of Wilson County.” It’s all happening this Holiday Season at the MJCA campus, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., where visitors will get to see hundreds of unique handcrafted items, browse amazing booths, and find something for everyone. Santa’s Candyland will be there where you can get a photo op with St. Nick, and Noah’s Ark Workshop where little hands can create their own stuffed animals! (No kidding!) Popular talent from all over the area will be represented at this highly sought after event where the reputation for great products, great crowds and an unparalleled merging of the two has produced something big for MJCA. This will truly be a “Shop till you DROP” event. But, don’t worry, there will be a booth with massage therapists on-hand!!!
What’s an extravaganza without food? MJCA has that covered as well with a Wilson county fair favorite. Miss Mary B will be on location with her famous homemade chicken salad, fried pickles and homemade cheesecake. Come hungry and come ready to win, because the best part may just be the exhilaration of participating in the silent auction where several vacation getaways are up for grabs. There’s also an Alabama football signed by Coach Saban, a $300 Gift Basket from Stampin Up, exquisite jewelry, Titans memorabilia, themed Gift Baskets (one worth over $1000) and that’s just the start of it. Don’t get too caught up inside though, outside the event’s main floor visitors will be mesmerized by the shiny chrome flauntings of a classic car collection along with motorcycles and military vehicles. Area residents are even invited to join with the round of reminiscing autoists and bring in their own classic vehicles for the viewing pleasure of attendees.
Mark your calendars now for Wilson County’s favorite shopping event. Bring your friends, your neighbors, your kids, your parents and your friend’s neighbor’s kids parents, bring your enemies while you’re at it. The MJCA Shopping Extravaganza has something for everyone and their list. For more information including lists of vendors and auction donators, visit the website at www.mjcashop.com or find us on Facebook under “MJCA Shopping Extravaganza”. Look for us on Channel 4’s More At Midday on Nov. 2!!!
MJCA Shopping Extravaganza
November 5, 2011; 9am to 5pm
FREE!
735 N Mt Juliet Rd, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
I was going to e-mail you Monday and check up on you. When I saw you Friday you looked “slap-wore-out”, (said in my very best southern accent).
Congrats on the article 🙂
I’m not surprised that it showed. 🙂 I was/am pretty tired, but it’s a good tired.