Day 31: The Finish Line

Today is my final post for Slice of Life--I have reached the FINISH LINE!  I wanted to try to blog after my friend Mary Sears encouraged me to add blogging to my plate.  I started out strong, but have struggled finding time and content.  I am happy to say that Slice of Life is over!  If I ever blog again, it won't be on a time constraint.  Thanks for reading about my life!!!! 

Day 30: Clearing the Clutter

My friend Sarah is having an epic garage sale this weekend. They are going to be doing some remodeling in their house and have decided to remove the clutter.  Watching her process has made me reflect on my "clutter". If you look at my house, things look pretty much in order, BUT I am a stuffer.  When people come over I might hide junk in a basket or behind a pillow.  The outside appearance is super tidy, but behind the scenes it is a different story.  I sometimes feel like my life is like that.  I have a bunch of "clutter" that I just shove places, never really dealing with it or putting it in the correct place.  I like to think that I am a constant work in progress and give myself a little grace.  I am hoping to continue to clear out my clutter for new experiences, activities, and people to be added to my life.  I hope you have a great Friday!

Day 29: Daddy's Birthday

Today is my dad's birthday.  He would have been 66 years old.  For the last 5 birthdays he has been celebrating in heaven.   I have always been a "daddy's girl".  I am the oldest of 2 girls and was very close to my dad.  We lived in the same town and spent countless days/nights with my mom and dad.  Going out to eat, vacation, movies, plays-- you name it, we did it.  So, today, I am going to celebrate my dad.  I am always a little sad on his special day, but I now I will be spending eternity with him- so until I see you again-- Happy Birthday Daddy!

Day 28: Wednesday Night

Today is Wednesday and on Wednesday's during the school year we attend church in the evening.  Sarah Lee and I help with check in at Christ Church of Oronogo with the 5-8 grade students. We greet them and chat with them as they check in.  It is super fun and being with my BFF for an hour is another bonus.  After that I head to my bible study class. I think I have mentioned it before, but I have the BEST group of ladies that I learn with on Wednesday nights.  We come from all walks and backgrounds, but we have become a steady group of encouragement to one another. We know how to laugh and have a good time, when to be serious, and serious about learning about the Lord. I am so thankful for my Wednesday night ladies so I can come and connect to women and God at the same time.

Day 27: Rainy Day

Today is a super rainy day.  I was in meetings all day in a windowless room-- I came out to more rain and I DO NOT LIKE IT! I am a sunny, beach, warm weather girl.  I am looking forward to the spring and the summer.  When will the weather warm up???  Do you like rainy day?

Day 26: It is MONDAY!!!

Happy Monday to my Slice of Life community.  We are almost at the end of Slice of Life-- sorry to see it come to an end, but ready for a little brain break.

Day 25: Back To School Tomorrow

Tomorrow is Monday and that is the day that Spring Break comes to an end (sniff, sniff).  I am somewhat sad, but very excited to get into a normal routine and rhythm of everyday life.  I have enjoyed my 9 days off with my family-- but I am ready to see my school peeps.  My kids thrive on routine, and so do I.  Here is to the finishing off the year strong!!!  Bring on Summer!!!!

Day 24: A Day at the Lake

We decided to go to the lake again this weekend.  Shawn and Matt completed many projects to get ready for lake season. The girls made and sold bath bombs to raise money for Camp Bandaid at the lake. I am so proud of them.  Here is to another great lake weekend!

Day 23: Shots

Today my little PreK boy got his Kindergarten shots.  Where has the time gone?  It seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital-- all 4 lbs of him!  He was so, so tiny.  I am looking forward to a new chapter of school, but I am missing my baby!

Day 22: A Day with Friends

As a mommy, there isn't much time away from your children and all the demands of being a mommy. But today was different--- I spent an entire day with 4 of my friends in Arkansas.  We started our journey at Chuy's Mexican Restaurant -- it was my first time there and it was DELICIOUS!!!  We then spent the rest of the day shopping.   I bought a few things for myself, a few things for my kids and ended the day at TCBY for a sweet treat.  Spending time with friends is like water for my soul-- it refreshed me.  I hope you have friends that refresh you!

Day 21: My Birthday

Today is my 41st birthday.  I had many texts, calls, and Facebook messages wishing me a happy birthday.  My day started with gifts and cards from my family -- a new Kindle for me to read on!!!!  Makayla decorated the kitchen with signs that showed how much she loved me.  I think went to get my hair highlighted and cut (way overdue).  After that we went out to lunch and then home for a nap.  Our evening was filled with dinner and company from the Darnell family-- birthday treats were courtesy of Casey!  It was a great day-- here is to another 41 years!!!!

Day 20: Springfield

Today we spend a day of fun in Springfield.  We started out at Battlefield Mall for a little shopping. Then we headed to Incredible Pizza for lunch and gaming.  My kids enjoy playing games and getting trinkets for their tickets (me on the other hand not so much).  We then journeyed to Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium at Bass Pro Shop.  I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND both of these. Both of my kids enjoyed the museum and aquarium. The highlight of the trip was petting sting rays.  After coming home from Springfield, the four of us went to see I Can Only Imagine at the Route 66 Theater in Webb City-- what a great movie!   Overall, it was a great family day!!!!

Day 19: First Day of Spring Break

I am so excited for Spring Break!!!  Hope you are enjoying yours!!!!

Day 18: Eli

Once Mak made me a mom, I knew I wanted another child to be her sibling. God gave us Eli Patrick Mayes on November 14, 2012.  He has a rough start to life and was in the NICU for a month. Once he came home, he has been the second apple of our eye.  Here are a few things about Eli:

• He is currently playing soccer and will try T-ball in a few weeks
• He is a in preschool with the best teacher-- Mrs. Fowler
• He loves to play outside
• Eli likes to go to the lake and LOVES to fish
• He plays Minecraft everyday
• He likes to watch YouTubeKid videos
• Eli likes his mom to put him to bed each night
• His favorite sandwich is ham and ketchup (Yuck)
• He likes to wear his boots everyday

I love this kid so much too!!!

Day 17: Makayla

Makayla Elizabeth Mayes made me a mom on Monday, January 16, 2006.  It was love at first sight and she has been wrapped around our fingers ever since.  Here are a few things about her:

• She loves to be outside jumping on the trampoline
• She is much taller than her mother
• Her best friend in the whole world is our neighbor Ava
• She has a very kind heart and thinks of others
• Mak is a child of God-- she has asked Jesus into her heart 
• She is a good big sister (99.999999% of the time)
• She is a daddy's girl- she would prefer her daddy over her momma any day :)
• Mak is super creative and loves to draw and create things
• Volleyball and basketball are her "sports"
• She is a clarinet player and will soon be part of a show choir

I love this girl with all my heart!!!!

Day 16: Teams

As an instructional coach, I wear many hats.  Sometimes I am giving professional development, sometimes I am meeting with a teacher, and sometimes I am working with students.  I would say the majority of my time is spent working with teams of teachers writing/revising curriculum. We call them core teams.  My area of emphasis is 2nd-4th grade, reading, writing, science, and social studies.  I spend countless days during the school year in all day meetings with teachers -- and I LOVE it!  Today, the day before Spring Break, I am working with a 3rd/4th Math Team and it is just wonderful-- a group of teacher working to make things tremendous for kids and teachers.  I am so proud to be part of this team! 

Day 15: Spring Break

In our house, we never go on big extravagant vacations for spring break. It is usually a time to relax and spend time together.  This year I am going to:

• sleep in everyday (YAY!)
• take my kids to the park
• spend a few days at the lake
• volleyball practice X2
• shopping with Mak
• visiting the Wildlife Museum in Springfield
• getting my hair highlighted (finally)
• turning 41 on the 21st
• spending the day with friends in Arkansa shopping

Well, it looks like a fun and relaxing list-- bring on spring break!!!

Day 14: My Hubby

I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I am married to my Jr. High sweetheart.  We started "going together" on February 26, 1991 (that was a long time ago). We had our ups and downs, but were together almost the whole time. We have been married for almost 19 years.   I have spent over 27 years of my life with Shawn by my side.   We have not always had the perfect relationship, but we have ALWAYS loved each other with our whole hearts.  We have been through some hard times:  infertility and death of my and dad --- and some great times:  adoption of both of our kids, job promotions, and just living life together.  There is no one in the world I would rather do life with-- Here is to many, many more years with the love of my life!

Day 13: Selling Our House

We are in the process of trying to sell our house.  We currently live in Joplin, behind the mall.  I LOVE OUR HOUSE!   We have lived in it for 8 years and have touched every nook and cranny to make it our own.  It has a beautiful deck and above ground pool and a large yard for the kids to play in.  Shawn and I decided to try to sell and move closer to Webb City High School.  Since he is the principal at the high school, he spends a ton of time there.  Since we live a little farther away, there aren't many days that Shawn comes home before heading to supervision or other activities. If we lived in Webb City, we might get to see him a little more.  So, here is to constantly cleaning my counters, making beds, and putting toys away every night!  Anyone need a new house????

Day 12: Christmas Traditions

With the freezing temperatures today (37 degrees), I am thinking about Christmas.  As I was scrolling through a few pictures, I was remembering my favorite Christmas tradition.  I have many Christmas traditions that I love, gingerbread houses with the Darnell's, new PJ's and slippers on Christmas Eve, and our Candle Light Christmas Eve Service at church.  But my favorite Christmas tradition centers around wrapping paper.  As a little girl we would each take turns unwrapping gifts one at a time (so everyone could watch) and leaving all the wrapping paper on the floor.  Once all the presents were opened, we would pile all of the wrapping paper into the middle of the room (think fall leaves) and jump and lay in it. My parents would always take a picture of us in the wrapping paper.  Well, fast forward 35 years, and I am doing the same thing with my kids.  No paper is thrown away until the annual picture is taken.  Here is to a great Christmas Tradition!

Day 11: My Sister

As stated in an earlier post, I have one sister.  Her name is Melodee and she is about 3 years younger than me.  Growing up we were not the best of friends, but I wouldn't call us enemies, we got a long pretty well.  She always wanted to do everything that I was doing, and it was not always fun to have your little sister tag along.  As we grew up, we became closer and spent more time together.  We both enjoyed getting married and growing our families.  As adults we spend most of our time texting each other and connecting through text instead of face to face.  With our husbands, children, and careers, there isn't much "sister time".  Our connection is much stronger since our parents have passed away and we need to depend on each other more.  We need to lean on each other from time to time in only they ways sister can.  I love her so much, and am so happy God chose her to be my sister.

Day 10: Weekends

I LOVE the weekends.  That being said, I love my job, I love Monday-Friday's, but there is just something about the weekend that puts a spring in my step.  As a working mom, I feel the tug to be good at my job, be a good mom and a good wife.  When the weekend rolls around, it is family time.  We try to sleep in, play games, go to the park, eat out, and usually do a movie night (my Makayla is a movie nut).  I take the weekend to re-energize myself for the week and reconnect with those I love so much!  How was your weekend?

Day 9: The Lake

I have always been more of a "hotel" girl in the past.  When we would go on vacations, they never included camping or being in nature too much, but that is changing.  A few years ago, one of my BFF's (Sarah Lee) invite me to their camper for a weekend of camping (not tent camping, camper camping).  I was a little skeptical, not really knowing what to expect-- but I went.  I FELL IN LOVE WITH CAMPING and the LAKE!!!!  Fast forward about 9 months and we bought our own camper, just a few spots down from my BFF and her family.  During the spring -fall we spend almost every weekend at the camper.  At the camper, we fish, take naps, go on boat rides, read magazines, and just sit and be still.  We are heading to the camper for the first time since October tomorrow- and I couldn't be more happy!!!!

Day 8: Baby Boy Creed

I have some exciting news to share (some of you already know).  I have a new NEPHEW.   He was born on Christmas Day and officially was adopted into our family on January 1, 2018.  My sister, and my only sibling, has been praying for a baby for over 10 years.  Her love of newborns started while she was young and continued into her job as a NICU nurse-- she LOVES babies.  She has never experienced the life of having a newborn baby (boy is it tough). She has a step-daughter and another son that is adopted, but she got him at 18 months-- hence her yearning for a newborn.   Our family was formed through adoption and we know the impact it can have on each and every family. 

He is the light of our family, the answer to years of prayers, and the perfect cousin to my children.  I can't wait to spoil him, give him smooches (even when he is too old to like them), and watch him grow up.  Welcome to the family CREED-- I hope you are read for a wild ride!

Day 7: Bible Study and Buddies

I have been part of a women's bible study for a few years.  We meet on Wednesday nights at CCO and we have a great time.  After attending Encounter (a woman's retreat), our class began.  We have continued with the same group, plus or minus a few for many years.  Our "leader, Deanna" is at the heart of the group.  She is the most Godly woman I know and brings such wisdom to the table.  The group is my life line to truth, scripture, friendship, and peace.  These ladies have prayed for me and come to my side when my mom died, they have rejoiced with me when my nephew Creed was born, and they have laughed with me more times that I can count.  I truly have a "tribe" of women that are always in my court. I thank God each time we meet that he has put them into my life! 

Day 6: Parrot on Parade

Yesterday I told you about Tweety our parakeet that suddenly passed away.  What you didn't know is that I have had a traumatic experience with a bird in the past.  I was visiting a pet store with my children one day.  They LOVE pet stores because we don't have any pets in our house (yes, I am a horrible mother - we have had a dog and tons of fish- all have currently passed away).  Both of my children love petting the dogs, cats, and any other animal they can get their paws on.  As we are about the leave I tell them to come toward the front to use hand sanitizer to clean their hands.  As we get ready to leave the pet store, a HUGE PARROT (that is not in a cage), leaves its perch and lands on my back.  YES- YOU READ THAT RIGHT-- it landed on my back.  Actually, one talon was on my head and one on my back.  I am mumbling to the worker, "Get him off of me . . . . I have a parrot on my back".  While on his cellphone, the teenage worker says, "Shoo, shoo, oh he will get off of you."  Must to my surprise the parrot left my back and headed back to the perch. As this was going on, my children responded like they had seen something that came out of a horror movie-- their eyes were as big as saucers.  With a snicker in her voice and a smile on her face, Makayla asked the worker if she could see the video footage of the parrot landing on me.  Needless to say, we quickly left the pet store before we could relive that moment through video.  Moral of the story---- don't take your kids to pet stores!!!!

Day 5: Bye, Bye Tweety

On Valentine's Day my in-laws (whom I love dearly) bought my children a new family pet - a parakeet!  Now you might be thinking to yourself, "WOW, that is awesome!!!"  Those were not the words that I thought when I brought him home that Wednesday night.  My 5 year old son named him Tweety and kept sending me videos and pictures of our new pet while I traveled home from Jefferson City.  We have adjusted to life with Tweety, even taking him out of the cage to hold and pet. We talk gently to him (which is hard in our house) and give him toys to play with.  I could envision many years with Tweety in our family. 

I am sad to say that today when I got home from school, Tweety was "gone".  He was laying in the bottom of his cage.  I have no idea what happened, but I know I had one sad little boy who cried for  a long time since his pet was dead.  We put Tweety in a special box and buried him in our backyard.  Eli is convinced that he will see Tweety when he gets to heaven someday-- and I believe it too.

So, farewell Tweety-- until we see you again.

PS-- We told Eli that it is way too soon to get another bird-- maybe when we move into a new house we can get another one!

Day 4: Family Time

I like to use Sundays as a day of rest and preparation for the week to come.  Today we spent the morning worshipping our Lord and Savior at Christ Church of Oronogo. It always puts me in the right mind and spirit when I go to church with my family.  After that, was a quick trip to Sam's Club (one of my favorite places in the world).  Once our car was unloaded and lunch was eaten, it was family nap time (aka- mom and dad nap and our kids veg out).  I love to take a nap on Sundays since I don't usually get to any other day.  As for the rest of the day . . . who knows-- maybe playing board games, taking our bird Tweety out for some fresh air, family movie night--- whatever it is, it will be with my family and will be exactly what I need for the week ahead.  Here's to another great week!

Day 3: Festivals and Fundraisers

This weekend was full of fun at 2 schools that I love.  Friday night was the WC Middle School fundraiser.  There was a basketball game again the police department, face painting, silent auction, and raffle items. Makayla did not want me to hang around her during the fundraiser, so she went off with her friends and had a sleepover as well.
On Saturday, Webster has its annual Patriotic Festival.  Classes combined to have a singing program, there were games, silent auction items, and basket raffles.  It is was a great success.
I love watching families invest in their children and in their child's school.  Being a part of the school atmosphere shows a united front -- student, parents, and school.  Thank you for all the work that goes into "festivals and fundraisers"-- I know it a ton of work, but worth it for our kids!!!!

Day 2: Beautiful Day

Today I am thankful for the SUN!!!  I am a person who loves the sun shining on my face, loves the warmth of the sun through a window, and could live in an area that has sunny days all the time!  I am my most happy while relaxing at the lake or the pool with the sun blazing on me!  I love to watch my kids jump on the trampoline or play outside on sunny days-- it just makes us all happy.  So, today, I hope you enjoy the SUN!!!

Day 1: All About Me

This is the first time I have every officially "blogged".  I once was asked to guest blog on an adoption website, but Slice of Life will be my first time to do it for a long period of time.  I would like to give you a little background on myself:

• I am  40 years old
• I am a mother of 2 (Makayla 12 and Eli 5)
• I am married to my junior high sweetheart
• I work in the best school district in the WORLD- Webb City (and my instructional coach team is AWESOME)
• I have lots of nieces and nephews that I love
• I the best sister anyone could ask for
• I have a tribe of friends that I wouldn't trade for a million bucks
• I love going to the lake and relaxing on the boat