Mark and I have been blessed to have a date night just about every week this past year.  On one of our date nights this past summer, Mark asked what would help me get things done both on the computer and at home.  We brainstormed and both decided that a few hours outside of the house to re-charge and work on stuff on the computer (blogging, ministry things, schoolwork/planning) would really help.  We started in July.  Ya’ll, it has been a definite attitude changer for me  To have a weekly time to get away and focus on God first and then the other things I need to do has been nothing short of a blessing.

Mark had two Sundays he had to work this past summer.  He has worked at the same place for over 16 years and this is one of a few times he has had to work weekends.  His job is good but his co-workers are awesome.  Anyway, so those two Sundays I loaded up our tribe by myself and headed to church.  While in worship, I started taking notes on how our younger kiddos were “listening” and decided to help this listen better.  We drove to church for several weeks after that going over the things we should do and the way we should act in church and then I made up these sermon notebooks.  The little kids have a place to draw a picture about the sermon but can also check off key words our pastor may say.  The bigger kids also have a space to draw or doodle (which is how I learn…visual learner trick that works for me) but they also have more space to take notes.  Our pastor tries to print out an outline and there is plenty of space in their notebook to copy it out.  I think I did it so that one notebook is for a full year…we’ll see (I really can’t remember).  Anyway, I made a pdf of the notebook and sent it to Office Depot to print (because I have a good teacher discount deal.  Thanks HSLDA membership!).  I have them put the clear cover on the front and spiral bind it.  So far it is working and eliminating a lot of distractions that they were having with each or others around them.  If anyone would like a copy of what we use, I can send it to you! Just leave a comment or shoot me a message with your email.