Catch-up Post

I've got some major catch-up to do on my blog, so please forgive this marathon post...

Happy Birthday, Josh!
My "baby" boy number 1 celebrated his 18th birthday on Dec. 12th. So hard to believe that he is this old!! His birthday celebration started on the Saturday before his birthday... Daddy took him shopping and let him pick out any video game he wanted. He spent the rest of the day playing his game of choice. Because I had someplace to be on the night of his birthday, we had his favorite dinner (chicken parm) and cake on Sunday night.
Josh had mentioned to me that he would love to have a party, but he is certainly not a party planner and couldn't come up with anything to do for a party. So, I decided to throw a surprise party for him. I enlisted the help of a friend, and she helped me pull everything together. On the Saturday following his birthday, several of Josh's friends from his production class and church came over to help him celebrate... and he was very surprised! He enjoyed the party greatly, and it was so much fun to pull it off for him.
I've been a little weepy over this birthday. Hard to think that this time next year I will be getting ready to send him off on his mission. Time truly has flown by.

Happy Birthday, Kyle!
"Baby" boy number 2 celebrated his 16th birthday on Dec 22nd. He had a huge party planned, and he thought he had taken care of all the details. He had a pretty good plan, he had invited all his friends, and he thought he had a good handle on things, but he forgot one tiny detail... to talk to mom about the plans!! His plan included an all day party with the boys playing football and video games, then sending them home to shower and clean up for the rest of the party... movies with some girls at our house. Mom simplified those plans to having the boys come over a little earlier than the girls to play video games, then movies with the girls. He agreed to that, and had an enjoyable evening!

He hasn't asked anyone out yet, but we was actually asked out! A young lady from another ward asked him to go to her school's winter formal with her. He said yes, but he doesn't want it to be his first date. The dance is towards the end of January, so he had better hurry and get to planning another date soon! He was ordained a priest at church today, and he is very excited about that.

Christmas
We had a wonderful Christmas. Barry had a couple of days before Christmas off, so once we got out of school, we took a day and headed to Nashville. I love going to the Opryland Hotel and looking at all the lights, and so off we went. We went earlier in the day, and avoided some of the crowds. It was great spending a relaxing day together with the family.

Christmas Eve was spent driving around Huntsville enjoying the lights around town. It's been one of our traditions for years. We then visited with some long-time friends before heading home and crawling into bed. Christmas morning was wonderful... we had a fire going in the fireplace, we read the Christmas story from Luke, and I enjoyed watching the excitement in the kids as they opened their presents. We had a yummy breakfast, then enjoyed a Christmas program at church. It was a nice addition to the day. We topped the evening off with a wonderful dinner with the Mayfield family at the Callahan's home.

Monday morning we got to sleep in a bit, then headed to the farm to spend some time with my family. We had another yummy Christmas dinner, and let the kids open presents there.

The kids had fun making their gifts for their cousins this year. They bought their own materials and made their own gifts. I helped a little, but it was pretty much all them. They also decided that they wanted to draw names and buy for each other this year. The set their own limits and used their own money for that as well. They even decided that they should buy something for me! I told Kayti one day that I wanted time to stand still for Christmas! They are all growing up so quickly and I can't stand it! So, they decided to get me a watch this year... they decided that since they couldn't stop time, they would at least give me nice way to keep up with it!

Barry and I decided to buy each other a new bed for Christmas. We haven't gone shopping for it yet, but I'm excited to go. We've needed a new bed for years, and so we decided to give that to each other this year. Of course, before we made that decision, I had already bought him a Kindle Fire, so he was really spoiled this year! When I told him that I already had something under the tree for him to open, he went and got a hot chocolate maker for me! My stocking stuffers included all the yummy "fixings" for hot chocolate... candy canes, 2 different kids of marchmallows, whipped cream, chocolate cookies! He also got me two boxes of hot chocolate mix. The machine is so cool! We used it the morning after Christmas and enjoyed some hot chocolate at the perfect temperature!

He also gave me the absolute perfect stocking stuffer... a coupon book for 12 dates for the next year! He came up with some great ideas, and I'm looking forward to cashing in a date each month!

Kids
The kids spent couple of days at their grandparents' house. They were planning on staying one night, but texted asking if they could stay for one more. I wasn't really surprised! They love staying over there... maybe it's because Granny spoils them rotten! She takes them to the store as soon as they get there and lets them each buy their own cereal (they ALWAYS get the most sugar-filled box they can find since I never buy that kind), they each pick out a snack food, and they grab chicken nuggets and french fries. She claims she gets some work out of them, but I think for the most part they just lay around watching movies, playing games, visiting with cousins and being generally lazy! What else are grandparents for though, right!? I'm so thankful that we live so close to family, and they get the opportunity to do these kinds of things. Barry and I neither one grew up around grandparents or cousins, and we feel blessed that our kids do.

The kids are growing up way too quickly. It's been heavy on my heart that they will all soon be leaving me. Kayti hopes to be in Rexburg at BYU-I by next fall. Josh will be leaving in about a year for his mission. Kyle and Megan are both in high school and will be out of the house, too, before you know it. Every time I think about it too long, I am reduced to a puddle of tears. I am proud of them, though! They are great kids, and I feel so blessed to be their mother. They still have the ability to drive me batty, but they are fun to be around. For the most part, they all get along very well... if things get too quiet around here, I can usually find them all in the girls' room, listening to music, watching something online, or just talking together. Not that they don't fight and argue, too, but thankfully that is not a constant.

I missed the kids while they were gone. I had thought of some things that I needed to do while they were not here, but I was completely lazy and didn't do a thing! I've slept in every morning, and lounged half the day. Going back to work next week is going to kill me!

We hope you had a great Christmas!

Christmas Decor, Galore!

I love the Christmas season! I love decorating, I love baking, I love the music, I love it all!

This year I was asked if I would help out (in a very small way) with this year's church Christmas Festival. It's a magical event every year that our church puts on for the community - a beautiful concert featuring a choir and orchestra, more nativities than you can count, amazingly decorated trees, christmas quilts, a live nativity, yummy gingerbread cookies, and several decorated mantels. I've helped out before - all the Mayfield girls did a tree one year. Last year I was asked to do a tree by myself, but declined to do so. This year I was asked to decorate one of the mantels. I really wanted to say no again, but after talking to my hubby (who reassured me that I could actually do it) I decided to go ahead and say yes.

I decided that I wanted to do something musical, because music is such a huge part of the Christmas season for me. I also knew that I wanted it to have a vintage feel to it, because I've been loving that look lately. I decided that I wanted to do paper trees, so I started shopping for vintage sheet music and decorative papers. I found the sheet music at my favorite antique store in Fayeteville a couple of months ago, and was so excited!!

It took me a while to actually get the whole idea more cemented together. I came upon the line, "Oh come let us adore him" from the hymn, "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" and then it all fell into place.

I spent several days this week at the church - started taking stuff over on Tuesday night; decorated my space on Thursday night; helped a friend with her space and some finishing touches on Thursday night. Since I was there before all the crowds, I was able to take a few pictures. I also gave Meg the camera and she took lots of pictures, too.

Friday night I took a friend from work to the Festival. We enjoyed the concert, live nativity, and oohed and ahhed over everything. It was fun to see it through her eyes as well. As I sat there in the concert, I felt the sweetest spirit. Things have been really stressful for the past couple of weeks, and it has been a bit hard for me to feel the Christmas spirit at all. Before the choir even started singing, though, I was almost in tears. I felt the reassuring presence of the Spirit, and of my Heavenly Father's love. I felt renewed. I want to go back again tonight, and Sunday night as well, just to feel more of that spirit! I will definately be looking for better ways to bring that spirit into my home.

Here are some pictures of my mantel, and some of our other favorites:

I would seem really ungrateful if I didn't say thank you to Shari K, Rachel R, Dana H, Alisha M, Mandi H, Rebekah P and Kayti and Meg for all of their help with this project! And also, my sweet hubby for putting up with all my crazy stress! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Speaking of Family Pictures...

My very talented friend, Shari, took some great pictures of my little family. Thought I would share a few!

Thankfuls

I've been trying to post something that I am thankful for on my FB page everyday this month. Some of them have been a little silly, and some days I haven't posted anything at all. FB is not really my forum for posting deep, meaningful things. I haven't been too great about blogging lately, and I need to change that. So, what better way to get all deep and meaningful and catch up on my blog at the same time, than to post a "thankfuls" post?!

It has been an emotional month for me.

I was excited for the change that took place in our stake. I pretty much grew up in the Huntsville Alabama Stake, and to see the growth over the past few years has been awesome. To see the split of the stake was a bit bittersweet, but exciting, too. My parents and sisters and I are not longer in the same stake. Most of the Mayfield clan are in the other stake as well. Not seeing everyone at stake functions will be a little sad, but of course we are family, so we will still see each other!

The changes in the stake brought lots of changes to our ward. I thought I was safe and sound in my "new" calling in the ward as Laurel Advisor. I had only been there for 3 months, so I didn't really think I would be called to anything new. Imagine my surprise when I got a call from a member of the High Council asking if he could come talk to me and Barry. Now imagine my even greater surprise when he said the words, "Stake Relief Society Secretary"!! I've never been really enthused about Relief Society. I love working with the youth, and had been thrilled to finally be back in Young Women. To say that I was shocked and a bit upset are an understatement. But, at the same time, I knew that I wasn't going to turn a calling down, and if the Lord wanted me in this calling then I could do it. I have worked with the Stake RS President, Carol Sue Harries, before, and I love her. It was hard to say goodbye to my Laurels, but before long they will be in RS with me. They were really sweet and told me that Heavenly Father must want the women to have as much fun as they were having, so that is why I was called! I am looking forward to serving with some wonderful women. We had our first ward conference last weekend, and it was fun meeting the sisters of that ward.

Work has been draining. I was in a panic to finish up one of big projects, which involves getting paperwork back from every student and then sorting it, inputting data from it on the computer, and finally getting all of that returned to the central office. Finally got it all done and turned in, but not without a fight! Just hoping they don't send it back because I messed something up! Also this month we discovered that a fellow office worker has lung cancer. I feel so bad for her, but thankfully the doctors think they can get it all with surgery and she will not need any further treatment. I've also been blessed to be chewed out by various callers this month. I know they were not really mad at me, I was just the "lucky" one who they got on the other end of the phone. I don't handle that too well and let it really get to me.

We have been blessed as a family to be able to go out to the farm and help my parents out this month. My mom has dementia, and it is starting to get really bad. My dad is her primary caregiver, and it has been draining on him. He can't get out of her sight, and so he has not been able to get much of anything done on the farm. We went out and cleaned out stalls in the barn one weekend, and we also helped get some firewood cut, split and stacked for them. Money is tight, and any little thing we can do to help them is appreciated. It is so hard watching them go downhill like they are.

So now that I have laid out all my woes, I should probably start counting my blessings!

I am thankful first and foremost for my Heavenly Father. I'm thankful for the testimony I have of Him and my savior, Jesus Christ. I'm thankful to have the gospel in my life, and truthfully, I am thankful for the opportunities for growth it brings to me. Even when the growing pains are hard!

I am thankful to be a mother. It's really the only thing I wanted to be in this life. Each of the kids bring so much joy to my life. It's hard seeing them grow up so fast, and knowing that half of them will be either out of the house, or about to be out of the house this time next year.
Kayti has had a hard month. She thought she would be graduating next month, but was told that she actually needs 4 more credit hours. She used up all of her scholarship money this semester because she thought it was her last one, so she will have to pay for this one on her own. Her plan is to transfer to BYU Idaho next fall, and I told her that she could still do that without actually getting her associates degree, but she felt that she had come this far and didn't want to not get it. I'm proud of her for wanting to finish what she started, even though it means changing her plans somewhat.
Josh was able to get his Partiarchal Blessing this month, and I felt awed and humbled by it. He is a great young man, and I am blessed to be his mother. We were able to go watch him perform in his school's one-act play for their regional competition this month. He loves to act and perform, and the play was wonderful! They won top honors, and will go perform at the state competition next weekend. He is so excited! He will also perform in an individual event, and have the opportunity to audition for scholarships.
Kyle is preparing to get his Patriarchal Blessing. He is such a great kid! He is a gentle giant... not a mean bone in his body. He is concerned about those around him, and wants to make sure that others are treated fairly. He was very proud of himself when he was able to split a log before his brother did!
Megan has been snowed under with school work this month, and the pressure has been getting to her. She has had lots of late nights, and a few complete breakdowns. She cannot wait until next semester when her course-load will be lighter. She was very helpful at the farm while we cleaned out stalls. She pretty much put her brothers to shame! She is currently serving as the Mia Maid Class President, and has enjoyed working with some great leaders. She has been workin hard on her Personal Progress and completed another Value!

I'm thankful to have the job that I have, even if it does drive me nuts sometimes! The hours are great, and for the most part, I get to be home when the kids are home. I work with some of the most amazing people ever. Through a series of unfortunate events (and one of those angry phone calls I spoke of earlier), we learned of a family in need. Immediately there were offers of food, bedding, clothing, personal items, and a few things just for the fun of it for this family. We do an Angel Tree at school every year, and it is for our students in need. This family would not let us add them to the tree, feeling that there were those more in need than they are, but we couldn't let their needs go unmet, either. It was truly heartwarming to see so many to what they could.

I am so very thankful for my parents and sisters. It is hard not being closer to them so I can do more on a daily basis. My younger sister lives on the farm with them, and she has been carrying the brunt of the load, even though her own family demands are astronomical (her husband has MD, and his care demands are high). I don't know how she does all she does, but I am thankful for her. My oldest sister lives about 20 minutes away from the farm, and she does so much, too. It is so reassuring to me to know that they are there to take care of mom and dad.
I've been so blessed to be raised by my parents. They taught me many important life lessons, and worked hard to make sure I had everything I needed... and those things I really didn't need at all, but wanted really badly! I'm glad that I can now go and help them out with a few of the things they need.

I'm thankful for my hubby!! He truly is my best friend. He has let me cry on his shoulder a lot the past month, and also been the first one to try and figure out what more we could do to help my parents out. He works hard to support our family at a job that he really does not like. He has been trying out a new hobby, and he let his first project be something for me!

I'm thankful for my in-laws! We are a large and loud group, but there is a lot of love and support there as well. We are blessed to live so close to each other. They are wonderful to jump in and help when and where they can, or just be a listening ear when needed.

I'm thankful for my health. It's been a scary year, but I'm thankful that there have been medical professionals there when needed. I'm thankful that I feel better than I have in years, and that I am on my way to being a healthier person.

I'm thankful for good friends. I appreciate their words of encouragement, and the way they make me laugh. I also appreciate them doing favors for me, like taking family pictures! Or making me stretch and grow, like asking me to help with Christmas Festival decorations! Or help me be creative, like when we are together at stamp club! And especially when they let me know that things will be alright!

My blessing truly do outweigh my troubles, and I am so thankful for them. And I'm thankful for this time of year that reminds us to be thankful!

The Best

We had the best trip to the beach. We were only there a couple of days, but they were sheer bliss, and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every minute!

It's kind of hard to decide on the "best" moment, though.

Was it the look on the kids' faces when we told them we were going? It was kind of a last minute trip, so surprising them with it was fun!

Was it the willingness of everyone to get up early and head out the door?

Was it the first sight of the ocean?
I'm not sure I've really seen the water so beautiful.

Was it the shopping? And realizing that I now fit into another size smaller?
That was an amazing feeling!

Was it the sunsets?

Was it the yummy food?
We ate at both Pompano Joes and Fudpuckers, and enjoyed some fabulous seafood!

Was it the joy of listening to the squeals of laughter as waves crashed into kiddos again and again?

Was it the look of utter contentment on my hubby's face?

Was it my booty planted in a chair, and my toes buried in the sand?

Was it the sound of the waves on the shore?

Was it the sandpipers, seagulls, pigeons and the duck?

Was it meeting up with family and friends, and having nieces come share in the fun?

Was it building sandcastles, finding treasures, digging holes, playing frisby, and putting on goggles to see what could be seen?

Was it the warm breeze and cool water and sunshine all mixed together?

Yep, it sure was!

September Picnic, Homecoming, a Baby Shower, and some thoughts

Picnic

Meg and I were leaving school a few weeks ago, and as we walked outside, we breathed in the cooler air and sighed. It felt so awesome outside, and we decided we needed to hurry home to pack up a picnic dinner. We grabbed the boys and then surprised Kayti and Barry at work. We decided to head to Big Spring Park and not only enjoyed dinner together, but also enjoyed just being outside together.

The kids kicked the soccer ball around, tossed a frisby, laughed and goofed off. After we finished eating, we packed the blanket back in the van and then just walked around the park. It was such a great night... and so simple. Just being together was half the fun of it!

Homecoming

Josh went to the Homecoming Dance this year. His first and last. Hard to believe he is now a senior. He took a sweet girl from our ward, Sofia, and they went with a group of their friends... mainly youth from our ward. He had fun for the most part, but he thought the dance itself was too hot and not that great.

A Baby Shower

My sister-in-law, Jessica, is due to have her first baby soon. To celebrate, the Mayfield and Hess girls threw a shower for her. Alisha and Mandi got together to come up with the theme for the shower, then we all pitched in to help with decorations, decorating, and food. Jess is doing an owl theme for the nursery, and using gray, orange and light blue for the nursery, so the shower was done in the same theme.

We are excited for the new additon to our extended family... especially the boys, who can't wait to add one more to their numbers!

I've been watching conference this weekend, and so thankful that we are able to have this blessing in our lives. I just love President Monson. So grateful for the Spirit I have felt this weekend.

I'm thankful for this beautiful weather we are having! I'm excited for fall and October to be here. I am looking forward to creating some new fall decorations for the house. I've got lots of plans... just hope I can budget my time accordingly.

I'm looking forward to fall break this week. We are still not sure what we are doing, but Barry is off work, and I'm looking forward to the time together as a family... and time away from work!

Hope you have had a good weekend!