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HO, HO, HOPES!

On December 19th I took photographs of kiddos and their families with Santa at a Christmas event for the HOPES program.  The smiles were contagious to say the least!  What is HOPES you might ask?

Kenda with the HOPES program taking time to visit with Santa at the HOPES Christmas Event.

Kenda with the HOPES program taking time to visit with Santa at the HOPES Christmas Event.

The HOPES program serves families in McLennan County that have kids ranging in ages from prenatal through Kindergarten. It is a free program where the parent educators come along and support the parents with their child/children. The visits usually consist of a parent child interaction that involves items that they most likely have at their home already, child development, and overall family well being.

Children that participate in the program are better prepared for kindergarten. Once a month HOPES hosts a group connection which allows the families to come together and participate in family activities or where the parents can learn from each other.

The December group connection was focused around Christmas. We were lucky enough to have volunteers to play Santa (Richard Aleman) and take pictures (Smith Family Photography). Kenda stated that she "felt that pictures with Santa were a big deal since the majority of our families do not have the opportunity to get them done." HOPES will be printing the pictures and giving them to the families. Each child was also able to receive a gift through generous donations. HOPES was able to serve 26 families that night (almost 90 kids)!

One huge component of the program is literacy and providing board books to the families, both English and Spanish. Many of the families now read books as a family, which is something that was not done before being a part of the HOPES Program.

The HOPES program is always accepting board book donations in both English and Spanish if you'd like to donate.  If you'd like to donate books, please call Kenda at 254-732-0482.

 

The Big Latch in Waco!

The Big Latch On will be held in Waco on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the grassy area behind the Waco Downtown Farmers Market next to the Brazos River.  You don't have to be a breastfeeding mother to attend.  Feel free to come support breastfeeding! 

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We are currently seeking donations for the raffle.  Each participant will receive one raffle ticket at registration.  After the latch on at 10:30am, we will begin the raffle.  We have several items that have been donated so far, including a pair of earrings from Amy, a merchandiser for Chloe + Isabel, a free Kindermusik class at My Little Play Place, a 5 Play Pass for My Little Play Place, a Jamberry gift certificate for a free sheet of nail wraps from Kathryn, a Jamberry consultant, a tube of Boppy Bloom from Boppy,  a professional bra fitting and a $35 gift certificate from the Bra Lady, De, a free mini-session with Kat Burt Photography, and a free regular session with Smith Family Photography.  We are still seeking donations so if you know of a small business that would like to provide a raffle item for the event, please send them my way.  

Check out the Facebook Event Page for up to date information as the event nears!  We will have bubbles and a photo booth as well!  

Mart 12U Pantherettes: A Recap of the State Tournament

I do believe everyone in the city of Mart, Texas is SUPER proud of the 12U Girls Softball Team!  They were undefeated in the regular season which landed them a spot in the district playoff tournament.  They dominated the tournament and clenched the second place ranking.  Leon placed first after beating Mart twice for the championship.  Leon AND Mart were headed to the 12U State Softball Tournament in Rockdale, Texas!

During the week before the state tournament, Mart practiced hard and gave their team everything they had.  They worked on fielding, throwing, batting, specific plays, etc.  They've always played well together, but they have truly grown so much this past season!

Not pictured are three players that were picked up from Riesel.

Not pictured are three players that were picked up from Riesel.

Monday, Game 1:  Mart vs. Van  This was a GREAT game!  It was a close game!  But Van took the win with a score of 3-2.  Mart now entered the losers bracket.  Just one more loss would send them home.

Tuesday, Game 2:  Mart vs. McGregor  Both teams in the losers bracket from this point on so Mart had to win to stay alive.  Mart takes the win with a final score of 14-2.

Wednesday, Game 3:  Mart vs. Mildred  This game was at 4:00...in the dead heat of the day!  MISERABLE!!  Mart takes another win with a final score of 12-3.  

Thursday, Game 4:  Mart vs. Leon  This game was the first of three - potentially.  This game was also at 4:00, in the dead heat of the day once again.  Leon beat Mart twice in back to back games at the district tournament.  Mart WANTED to win this game!  And Mart did win!  Final score 5-3.  

Thursday, Game 5:  Mart vs. Lexington  Since Mart won, they had to play again at 6:00.  Out of the gate Lexington looked like a difficult team to beat.  They had VERY aggressive runners that clearly knew how to steal bases.  Mart ended up with the win again with a final score of 4-3.

Thursday, Game 6:  Mart vs. Lovelady  This would be the third game for Mart on this day at 8:00.  Mart girls were exhausted!  Back to back games in 100 degree weather, full sun all day long.  Lovelady ended up with the win with a final score of 5-12.  Mart takes fourth place at the state tournament.  Not bad at all for a team that lost their very first game and had to battle their way through the losers bracket.  

Photo from Mart Football Panther Facebook Page

Photo from Mart Football Panther Facebook Page

You can read more about the future of Mart Softball here.  Congratulations to the Mart 12U Softball Team!  And while we're speaking about state softball tournaments, it is worth noting that TWO other Mart teams made it to state tournaments so give another congratulations to the 6U and 10U Softball Teams!  Thank you to everyone - players, coaches, parents, and volunteers - that was involved for a GREAT season! 

Found at:  http://www.quoteslike.com/quotes-about-softball-teamwork-quotes/

Found at:  http://www.quoteslike.com/quotes-about-softball-teamwork-quotes/

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!

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Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend!  Santa hopes to see a lot of smiling, happy faces!  Santa will be at the Groesbeck City Park on Saturday, December 12th, from 9:00 am to noon!  For those that can't make it to Groesbeck on Saturday, Santa will make an extra stop in Woodway at Poage Park on Sunday, December 13th, from 9:00am to noon!  Come out to visit him and have a photo taken to support Team McKinzi!  You can read about her story on the Facebook Event Page. 

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