Races

It's almost New Year's Resolution Time. How about a running goal? Here are the races Faithful Feet are planning on doing next year. I hope you'll join us. Email me for more info

5 FEB Spring Lake 10K (they also have 5K- $20)

26 Mar Cherry Point 1/2 $25
15 Oct Baltimore Marathon

Great resources

Free books for families' with deployed Dad from No Greater Joy- apply here.

Online clothes' swap

Happy Birthday Jesus

I saw this on a website- we haven't done it before but it sounded great so I thought I'd share:

To celebrate the TRUE meaning of Christmas, my children and I have a Happy Birthday Jesus Party. We invite lots of kids and we start off by having the kids decorate for Jesus. We get red and green balloons and streamers along with making a huge banner that says Happy Birthday Jesus! I let the kids color the banner and then hang the balloons and streamers. We play games...last year we played Place baby Jesus in the Manger (like pin the tail). This year we will play No room at the inn musical chairs. We have each child bring an ornament to exchange. Last year we did it like a white elephant exchange. This year we are doing it with a right/left story that I wrote...

Jesus Right/Left gift exchange

Jesus was here, and the wise men were looking for the RIGHT way to go. King Herod told the wise men, "Once you find the RIGHT way and see Jesus let me know so I can see the baby too." King Herod was lying to the RIGHT-eous wise men. He wanted Jesus killed and be the only king LEFT. The wise men had to find just the RIGHT star, the Star of Bethlehem, and LEFT on their long journey. They followed the star day and night until it stopped RIGHT over the house where Jesus was. The wise men went RIGHT inside and saw Mary and baby Jesus. RIGHT away they bowed down to worship Him and gave him precious gifts. After that the wise men LEFT. That night God sent a warning not to return to King Herod. The wise men LEFT to go home and went a different way. The RIGHT way that God had told them.

We then will read the Christmas Story from a children's Bible and pray. Afterwards we have refreshments, beginnning with decorating cupcakes and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

I make a goodie bag for each guest which this year will include a candy cane with the candy cane story, a tract to pass out to one of their friends, a homemade treat-cookie, a homemade ornament, and some candy-probably Hersey's kisses.

Ice Skating Party 10 DEC

Come skate with friends and enjoy a yummy potluck lunch. All are welcome. GRACE will provide paper goods- plates, cups, napkins, ... Bring a favorite dish or dessert to share. Don't forget to wear tall socks, warm clothes to include gloves, something to cover ears, or other cold weather wear.

You do not have to be military to skate. $3 per skater includes . $1 per skater 5 & under. non-skaters free. walkers available to rent for $2 for younger skaters.

Please RSVP with what you're bringing so we don't have all cupcakes :)

call or email me with any ?s jaklew@aol.com

Cold Friday- Fascinate-U

Since tomorrow is going to be cold, we're going to go to Fascinate-U Children's Museum on Green Street at 10 am. Hope to see you there.

3 DEC Honeycutt Park

Hello all! I hope you had wonderful Thanksgivings. I was definitely trying to run off some extra turkey & pumpkin pie at the track this morning! This Friday we'll meet at 10 am at Honeycutt Park (352 Devers Street- close to the yMCA and FTCC off Fort Bragg road beside Kiwani's recreation center. I plan on packing a picnic and staying for lunch.

If it's cold or rainy out, we'll go to Fascinate-U Children's Museum. I'll post a message Thursday night if we're going indoors.

Next Friday 10 DEC, we'll have a Christmas Ice Skating party at Cleland Ice Skating Rink on Fort Bragg Friday 10 DEC 11:30-1:30. $4 per skater. 5 and under $1 each. Non-skaters free. Walkers available to rent for $2. You do not have to have a military ID card to skate- just go through one of the approved access gates. We'll skate and have a potluck lunch. I'll send out an evite later this week.

Lots of fun holiday stuff going on- plus this great chance to start helping out at Executive Place. This Saturday from 10-11:30 am there will be a training session for people to work in the children's ministry at Executive Place. Contact Cadecia Lowe @ 347-633-2919 to sign up or for more info. They are planning on having childcare for the training session.

A couple of runs coming up- Jingle Bell Jog this Saturday and Ryan's Reindeer Run 19 DEC.

This Sunday (5 DEC) 1-5 Pm Museum of the Cape Fearwill ring in the holidays with our 10th annual Holiday Jubilee. This is a free, family-friendly event. Holiday Jubilee features wood stove cooking demonstration, a make and take craft workshop, and multi-talented musician. No registration required.

& Tues 14 DEC Mommy, Me, & Museum make 3- Story & Craft time for 3-5 year olds in the beautifully decorated Poe House. call 486-1330 to register

Free pictures with Santa at Ramsey Street Chick-Fil-A 11 DEC 8:30-10:30.

I put info about these and other events on our website.

If you'd like to join an online Bible study using the book Crazy Love. click here.

Paradigm Shift

You've got to watch this video. My friend sent it to me- definitely changes how you look at people.

Clark Park Class/ Lake Rim class

Just wanted to let you know about a couple classes this week:

the oudoor living skills class at clark park Thurs 4 Nov 3:30-4:30 "learn how to prepare for a trip, build campfires, tent setting" ages 6 +

the same class will also be at Lake Rim Park Thurs 18 NOV 3:3--4:30. you have to sign up to go to Lake Rim Park. 424-6134

and 8 NOV 3:30-5 all ages John Pechmann Center. Learn about Native Americans.

all classes are free. you can read more about them at FCPR

We'll be at Clark Park Thurs 3:3

and at Fantastic Fridays this Friday at Lake Rim Park 10 am- hope to see you!

Nov 5 Veggie Tales, Nov 6 Museum of Cape Fear, Nov 9 Mommy Me and Museum Make 3

Veggie tales Live will be here in Fayetteville on Nov. 5th. at Northwood Temple. They have an afternoon show (1:00pm) and an evening show (7:00pm) as well. Maybe some parents would be interested in going. Groups of 10+ are $12.00 each, general admission is $15.00 and everyone has to have a ticket - even little ones under 1 yr. http://www.bigidea.com/vtlive.html Thanks. God's Love.

November 6th, 11 am to 4 pm Heroes of the Surf Family Day Museum of the Cape Fear

In the latter part of the 19th century, surfman walked the shores of the Atlantic Coast looking for shipwrecks and people in peril. On November 6, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, visitors can walk the grounds of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex and participate in activities about the fascinating life of U.S. Lifesavers at our “Heroes of the Surf Family Day” program.

Several hands-on activities are in store: rope making, knot tying, sending and receiving messages using maritime international signal flags, and a presentation of the breeches buoy drill.

Two special events are timed to take place during the day. At 1:00 pm singer/storyteller John Golden, of Wilmington, will delight and entertain with a presentation about the life of a surfman. At 2:00 pm, a basic navigation session will take place in the museum’s multi-purpose room. This session is not a Coast Guard certified class, but a simple introductory lesson on the basics of using navigation instruments and chart reading, (with materials provided for use during class). Participation is accepted on a first come, first served basis.

9 NOV Mommy, Me and Museum Make Three. 10 am Learn about Native Americans Play games, make a canoe, learn about Eastern Woodland Indians. call 486-1330 for reservations

Kristen Lewis

jaklew@aol.com

29 Oct Fall Festival

The Partnership for Children of Cumberland County is hosting a FREE fall festival; specifically designed for children under 5. Of course, everyone is welcome, but we want to provide a special experience for little ones who can't do scary stuff. We want to see young children get out of their strollers and have fun with their families. And then we get to educate parents about resources available for their families. We're calling our event the Partnership's Pumpkin Patch Party!

What: PFC's Pumpkin Patch Party

Where: 351 Wagoner Drive (across Wagoner from the Omni Cinemas and

Fun, Fun, Fun)

When: Friday, October 29 from 5-8pm

What Else: Inflatables, games, a child-friendly outdoor theater, train rides, crafts,

and pumpkin painting

AND, every child gets to take home a pumpkin! (while supplies last)

How Much: FREE!

5 NOV- Lake Rim Park Nature Hike

5 NOV 10 am we'll head to the south side of town- Lake Rim Park (2214 Tar Kiln Drive off Raeford Road.) we'll meet just before 10 am at the park office. At 10 am, the park ranger will take us on a nature hike around the park. He will focus his talk on ages 4-8 but all ages are welcome.

What's Under the Tent will also be set up that day- park staff will have activities & items on display. There's also a nice walking trail if anyone wants to go on a hike. Bring a lunch and play in the park after the hike! There are tennis courts available for bigger kids.

I'll send out an evite so I can tell the park rangers how many to expect. or you can email me at jaklew@aol.com

29 Oct TBD

Hello all! What a great day at West Produce Friday- wonderful weather, lots of friends (65 from our group), fun pumpkins, nice hay ride, ... This Friday we will have family in town and are heading to the Lumbee Pow Wow in Pembroke- a little drive south of town but a great way to learn about Native Americans- Friday they're open 10-2. The website gives a little more info but they'll have Native American dancing, food, crafts, ... adults $5, kids $2. We'd love to see more friends while we're there.

If you don't feel like driving to Pembroke but want to hang out with folks Friday, let me know what park you're headed to and I'll send out a note so others can join you. It should be a great day out!

22 OCT West Produce

Don't forget to arrive before 10 so you don't miss the hayride. Hope to see you!!

15 OCT- Honeycutt Park

Hi! Fishing was great Friday. Tons of kids caught fish. and all for free! We got to use the free tackle boxes fishing this weekend.

I hope to see you this Friday at 10 am at Honeycutt Park (352 Devers Street) .Honeycutt Park is close to the YMCA and FTCC off Fort Bragg Road on Devers Street. iif you're going south on Bragg Blvd, veer right onto Fort Bragg Road and then take the 3rd right onto Devers Street. you'll see the park on the left beside Kiwani's recreation center. I plan on packing a picnic lunch and staying for lunch. We'd love for you to join us.

Next Friday 22 Oct is our West Produce Trip. if you haven't RSVPd, please do. If you didn't get an evite, please email me and I'll send one.

Volksmarch
Fort Bragg will hold its Volksmarch, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Smith Lake Recreation Area.

Registration by mail, before Oct. 8, will cost $5; at Leisure Travel Services before Oct. 16, $5; at Smith Lake until noon on the day of event, $10. Kids 12 and under and dogs, no cost.

Participants will enjoy hay rides, kidz korner, pumpkin patch, food and contests and they will receive a souvenir stein when the trail is completed.

For more information about the Volksmarch, call 396-1218.

8 OCT Fishing

email me if you didn't get an evite and want to go

1 Oct- Wilson Lake Park

We'll meet next Friday 1 October we'll meet at the newly redone Wilson Park on Fort Bragg on Butner Road. We'll meet at 10 am. See you there!

I sent evites out for several of our upcoming events-

8 Oct Fishing at John Pechmann Fishing Center- free event & all equipment is provided there

9 Oct Group Babysitting night

22 Oct West Produce

If you didn't get the evites, please email me jaklew@aol.com & I'll resend it. If you did get it, please RSVP bc it really helps with planning. Thank you! I hope to see you.

I also sent a yahoo group invitation to join a new online Bible study using the book Crazy Love. If you'd like to join click here.

See you soon!

24 SEP- Mazarick Park

This Friday 24 SEP at 10 am we'll be at Mazarick Park(1638 Belvedere Ave off of Bragg Blvd). This is a Fantastic Friday- Big kids are always welcome but we're especially encouraging them to come out for our Fantastic Fridays. I'm still working out the details but we should have some extra fun for the bigger kids like tennis, cards, kickball, frisbee golf.

I wanted to let you know about several fishing opportunities coming up in the next few weeks through the JohnPechmann Fishing Center by Lake Rim Park.

8 OCT we'll have a GRACE/ Fun Fridays trip to the Fishing Center. I'm sending out an evite tonight. Please let me know if you can come.

Saturday 25 SEP Hunting & Fishing John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center

7489 Raeford Road (across from Lake Rim)
Fayetteville, N.C. 28304

When:
9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Event Description:

Event Description: With more than 15 hands-on, interactive exhibits and demonstrations, Wildlife Expo 2009 is a great way to learn more about the natural environment and the important roles that hunting and fishing play in North Carolina's fish and wildlife conservation. Activities at the Wildlife Expo 2009 include:

• Shoot a BB gun
• See live birds of prey
• Test duck and goose calls
• See live mammals, frogs, turtles and snakes
• Touch genuine animal skulls and pelts
• Learn how to fly-fish
• Go kayaking
• Learn about North Carolina's proud hunting heritage
• Go fishing
• Discover aquatic insects

Participants age 15 and younger can register to win lots of great fishing-related prizes, including a free guided fishing trip, gifts certificates from A.K. McCallum and the grand prize, a lifetime
sportsman license, generously donated by the family of John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center.

More Info:

Wildlife Expo 2010 flyer (PDF)

Wildlife Expo 2009 slideshow
John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center

Contact Info:
Kris Smith (910) 868-5003, ext. 14

There are also free fishing clinics Oct 29, Jan 24, Feb 21 from 10-1 for 8-15 year olds. register by day before.

17 SEP Honeycutt Park

Hi! I'm so excited to have meet so many new ladies tonight at My Manna Connection Night. I hope to see you this Friday at 10 am at Honeycutt Park (352 Devers Street) .Honeycutt Park is close to the YMCA and FTCC off Fort Bragg Road on Devers Street. iif you're going south on Bragg Blvd, veer right onto Fort Bragg Road and then take the 3rd right onto Devers Street. you'll see the park on the left beside Kiwani's recreation center. I plan on packing a picnic lunch and staying for lunch. We'd love for you to join us.

For those of you with 3-5 year olds, Museum of the Cape Fear has a once a month program the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Crafts, songs, stories. The next one is this Tuesday 14 SEP 10 am. Call 486-1330 to register.

Time to get our group babysitting nights going again. I am really praying for someone to volunteer to lead that part of our small group. Please let me know if you would like to help with this wonderful ministry.

10 SEP - Fort Bragg Library Park

Hello- I hope you're all having a good Labor Day weekend. Katharina, Mallory, & I did our half marathon this weekend in VA beach. Beautiful weather and great day for a race. You should join us on our next race. Check out the Faithful Feet booth next Sunday night at My Manna Connection. Come by Fun Fridays too- bring a friend. 12 SEP 6:30 pm at Manna at Cliffdale. Great chance to see what small groups are out there for the fall cycle. I would love for a few people to help me with a Fun Fridays table. Let me know if you can.

this Friday, we'll meet at 10 am at the park by the library on post.go in the Randolph gate (if you don't have a military ID/ decal, go in the right lane- you'll have to show your driver's license & and car registration and they'll search your car but it's quick) right after you pass Knox Street you'll see the park on your left beside the library.

Happy Labor Day

Hi! What a great end of summer cookout Friday- awesome weather, great people, yummy food, even a little volleyball. Thanks Jennie for cooking all those hotdogs & everyone for coming.

we won't meet 3 SEP bc Labor Day. but don't forget the consignment sales.

MOPS
Hugs and Kisses

Mark your calendars for My Manna Connection Night 12 SEP 6:30 pm at Manna at Cliffdale. Great chance to see what small groups are out there for the fall cycle. I would love for a few people to help me with a Fun Fridays table. Let me know if you can.

10 SEP Fort Bragg Library Park

17 SEP Honeycutt Park

24 SEP Mazarick Park

27 Aug End of Summer Potluck

Celebrate the end of summer with a cookout. Time for some fun in the sun. Put on your swimsuits, pack your volleyball & shovels and get ready for fun at the beach. Please RSVP NLT Wednesday with your full name so your name will be on the gate access list & number of people coming so we'll have enough hotdogs. Please bring a sidedish or dessert to share & drinks for your family.

Contact me at jaklew@aol.com for more info.

Great swap

Thanks so much for everyone's hard work today. What a blessing to see so many people giving their time, efforts, and belongings to help others. We'll have another swap next spring. Hope you can come!

Wednesday

Hi! We had such a great day Friday that we're headed back to Waldo's Beach Wednesday. This is the last week that Waldo's is open during the week. After this week, they're open weekends through Labor Day. $5 per child during the week. $6 per adult. Let me know if you're coming- so we will be on the lookout for you. I'm bringing a picnic lunch for my family. hope to see you!

we are planning to be there from 10-2. they have 15 min lifeguard breaks every 2 hours so we'll eat in a picnic area at the noon break. The pool has a good size 3 foot section, a smaller 2 foot section, plus 4-6 foot swimming areas. My boys did all three slides- 2 kiddie size & one big ones.

13 Aug Waldo's Beach

Enjoy the end of summer- come out to Waldo's Beach this Friday. $5 per child during the week. $6 per adult. Let me know if you're coming- so we will be on the lookout for you. I'm bringing a picnic lunch for my family. hope to see you!

Lake Waldo's features fun camping in the summer with easy access to a small public water park* consisting of: lazy river, swimming pool with larger water slide, lake swimming with a rope swing, two blobs, slides and children play areas as well as picnic areas with shelter and grill. Lake Waldo's also has a pet trail, fishing pier, boat ramp, fishing and paddle boat rental!

* • Water Park Admission:
• 10 and under $10.00
• 11 and up $12.00
• ½ Price admission Monday thru Friday.
• Regular price Saturday, Sunday, & holidays.
• DJ (music) each Saturday

If you haven't RSVPd yet for the clothing swap, please do. Also Jennie talked to the pregnancy crisis center & Operation Blessing. They are looking forward to receiving the items left from our swap. They also really need nonperishable food. so please bring in come canned goods for us to donate.

clothing swap is right around the corner- 20 Aug in the youth center at Manna at Cliffdale. I'm super excited that we will be combining our clothing/ toy swap with GRACE Homeschool groups clothing swap. This will help us combine our efforts and mean a bigger swap for everyone- more and bigger size range of clothes and ages of books and toys. Our clothing swaps are successful because everyone pitches in to help. We need everyone to pitch in the day of the swap for things to run smoothly. I also need some more people to volunteer for our "committee". If you can help, please let me know.

here's answers to a few questions I've gotten about the swap:

-what if I don't have items to give? you can still come get the things that you need. Please help with setting up that morning and with packing up at the end of the swap.

-do I have to use the childcare? no, as long as you can supervise your children & help with setting up & packing up. you can keep your children with you.

-what if I sign up for childcare and can't go? we will have to pay for workers based on how many children are scheduled. That means we have to pay for that slot. (Last time I paid $20 for people who didn't show up- I don't want to do that again.) of course, if your child is sick, don't bring him/ her to childcare. If you can't come, please let me know ahead of time.

-let me know if you have any other questions.

If you don't find the things you need at the clothing swap, here's the link to 2 consignment sales coming up Labor Day weekend here in Fayetteville:

MOPS
Hugs and Kisses

Kristen

Cheap Summer Movies

Free Bowling

20 AUG Clothing Swap

If you haven't RSVPd yet for the clothing swap, please do. Also Jennie talked to the pregnancy crisis center & Operation Blessing. They are looking forward to receiving the items left from our swap. They also really need nonperishable food. so please bring in come canned goods for us to donate.

clothing swap is right around the corner- 20 Aug 9:30-noon in the youth center at Manna at Cliffdale. I'm super excited that we will be combining our clothing/ toy swap with GRACE Homeschool groups clothing swap. This will help us combine our efforts and mean a bigger swap for everyone- more and bigger size range of clothes and ages of books and toys. Our clothing swaps are successful because everyone pitches in to help. We need everyone to pitch in the day of the swap for things to run smoothly. I also need some more people to volunteer for our "committee". If you can help, please let me know.

here's answers to a few questions I've gotten about the swap:

-do I have to use the childcare? no, as long as you can supervise your children & help with setting up & packing up. you can keep your children with you.

-what if I sign up for childcare and can't go? we will have to pay for workers based on how many children are scheduled. That means we have to pay for that slot. (Last time I paid $20 for people who didn't show up- I don't want to do that again.) of course, if your child is sick, don't bring him/ her to childcare. If you can't come, please let me know ahead of time.

-let me know if you have any other questions.

13 AUG

Enjoy the end of summer- come out to Waldo's Beach this Friday. $5 per child during the week. $6 per adult. Let me know if you're coming- so we will be on the lookout for you. I'm bringing a picnic lunch for my family. hope to see you!

Lake Waldo's features fun camping in the summer with easy access to a small public water park* consisting of: lazy river, swimming pool with larger water slide, lake swimming with a rope swing, two blobs, slides and children play areas as well as picnic areas with shelter and grill. Lake Waldo's also has a pet trail, fishing pier, boat ramp, fishing and paddle boat rental!

* • Water Park Admission:
• 10 and under $10.00
• 11 and up $12.00
• ½ Price admission Monday thru Friday.
• Regular price Saturday, Sunday, & holidays.
• DJ (music) each Saturday

6 Aug

Carolina Lakes Marina 10 am. Email me to get on gate access list. see you Friday

30 JUL

Fun Fridays will meet Friday 30 July at Lesley Cooper's house. Bring snacks and drinks for you & your kiddos. the gate to the backyard will be open so you can get right to the sprinklers. Email me jaklew@aol.com for her address

Clothing swap is coming up soon- start looking through your closets & thinking about how you'd like to help to make this another successful day.

6 Aug Carolina Lakes Marina

13 Aug Waldo's Beac h

20 Aug Clothing Swap

Kristen

Cheap Summer Movies

Free Bowling

Fun Fridays

23 July Splash Pad

come cool off with us at splash pad tomorrow.

Splash Pad
500 Fisher Street at Christina Smith Park
910-433-1572

Cheap Summer Movies

Free Bowling