Do You Need A Time Out?

I sure did! So, thanks to Bryant, my good friend Danae, along with several other ladies in our ward, I went to Time Out for Women that was in Portland this past Friday and Saturday. It was just what I needed! I knew it was coming to Portland, and I would have loved to plan on going since I had never been to one, but I hadn't had Kate yet, I didn't know exactly when I would have her, and I didn't know what kind of a baby she would be. So, I didn't give it a second thought about going. Last week however, Danae said, "hey do you want to go to Time Out for Women?" We have extra room at our hotel and I know a few people who can't make it who would love to sell you their ticket.

Bryant was such a sweetheart and encouraged me to go, reassuring me that he would be fine with Gracie while I was away. I talked to my Mom as well who has been to several TOFW events and was so excited that I had the opportunity to go. In fact, she told me she would be mad at me if I didn't go!

So, Friday at about 1:30 Danae, her baby Elli, Kate and I headed up to Portland. We met the other ladies from our ward at Red Robin for Dinner and then headed over to the Friday night session. Michael McLean presented as well as Ardeth Kapp and Mark Maybry that night.
Saturday the presenters included: Hilary Weeks, Emily Watts, Michael Wilcox, Merrilee Boyack, Mariama Kallon, and Kris Belcher. It is amazing how every single presenter could have us laughing hysterically one minute, and have us in tears the next. They were all absolutely fabulous!

Since I had Kate (who by the way is still my little angel baby and was wonderful for me the entire time), it was kind of hard to take notes. However, I will always look back at my first "Time Out" experience and remember what a great feeling I had.

There are some things that stuck with me for sure. The theme was INFINITE HOPE, and here are a few things I learned during my "Time Out":

*The word "Mom" kills more brain cells than just about any other word!
* "Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
*Know that answers come in the Lords time..
*"The Lord will give us more than we can bare, because those are the time we turn to him."
*Think of Christ as your sighted guide.
*Romans 8:24-25--my new favorite scripture this week! "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

Thanks to all who helped me remember to have Hope this weekend! Can't wait for my next Time Out--and I'm hoping my mother in law, sisters in law, my mom and my sister will join me next year as well--hint hint!